UIDAI Warns Against Sharing Photocopies of AADHAR Risk of Misuse
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had urged the public not to share a photocopy of their Aadhaar card with any organisation out of concern that it could be misused.
However, after investigating the misinterpretation, the same was withdrawn on May 29, 2022.
Previously, it was stated that a disguised Aadhaar that only displays the last four digits of your Aadhaar number can also be used for this purpose. It is available for download at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, the UIDAI’s official website. Click “Download” after selecting “Do you want a masked Aadhaar?”
Validate any Aadhaar number at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/verifyAadhaar. Use the QR code scanner within the mAadhaar mobile application to scan the QR code on an e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar letter, or Aadhaar PVC card in order to verify offline.
UIDAI has also cautioned individuals against downloading e-Aadhaar from a computer in an internet café or kiosk. However, if this is done, all downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar from that computer must be deleted permanently.
Only organisations that have obtained a User License from the UIDAI may use Aadhaar to verify an individual’s identity. Non-licensed businesses, such as hotels and movie theatres, are not permitted to acquire or store copies of Aadhaar cards.
It constitutes a violation of the 2016 Aadhaar Act. If a private entity requests your Aadhaar card or a copy of your Aadhaar card, please verify that they possess a valid UIDAI User License.
However, on May 29th, the Government withdrew its previous circular regarding photocopy misuse. The subsequent press release states: This is in response to the press release issued by the Bengaluru Regional Office of UIDAI on May 27, 2022.
It has been learned that they issued it in an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar card. People were warned not to share photocopies of their Aadhaar with any organisation, as it could be misused. A masked Aadhaar, which displays only the last four digits of the Aadhaar number, may also be used.
In light of the potential for misinterpretation of the Press Release, it is hereby retracted with immediate effect.
Aadhaar cardholders issued by the UIDAI are only advised to exercise common sense when using and disclosing their Aadhaar numbers.
The Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided sufficient protections for the identity and privacy of Aadhaar cardholders.
