Govt withdraws Aadhaar advisory, tells citizens to exercise 'normal prudence'

The government has backtracked and withdrawn with “immediate effect” its recent advisory issued two days ago cautioning citizens against sharing Aadhaar details with organisations as it can be misused and instead advised to use a “masked” version wherever required.

A press release issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) said that “in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect”.

On May 27, an issue released by MeitY had said that only those organisations that have obtained a User License from the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) can use Aadhaar for establishing the identity of a person.

“Unlicensed private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar card. It is an offence under the Aadhaar Act 2016. If a private entity demands to see your Aadhaar card, or seeks a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, please verify that they have valid User License from the UIDAI,” said the release.

The ministry has asked registered users to alternatively use “a masked Aadhaar” which displays the last four digits of the Aadhaar number. The same can be downloaded from the official website of UIDAI (https:/myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in).

But now, the new press release issued on May 29 said that it is learnt that the Bengaluru Regional office, UIDAI, had issued a press release in the context of an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar card. The release advised the people to not to share photocopy of their Aadhaar with any organisation because it can be misused. Alternatively, a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of Aadhaar number, can be used.

“However, in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” said the press release.

UIDAI issued Aadhaar card holders are only advised to “exercise normal prudence” in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers.

Further, the release stated that the “Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder”.

The earlier press release had advised people to avoid using a public computer at an internet café/kiosk to download e-Aadhaar. “However, if you do so, please ensure that you delete all the downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar permanently from that computer,” the ministry has said.