The UIDAI on Sunday withdrew an advisory it had issued warning people against sharing photocopies of their Aadhaar card.
The advisory had been issued on Friday, but was widely reported about on Sunday. The advisory had asked people not to share Aadhaar copies and asked them to adopt 'masked Aadhaar' numbers. The advisory had stated unlicensed private entities like hotels or cinema halls were not allowed to obtain Aadhaar details.
Commentators had panned the advisory, noting that for years, multiple private agencies were allowed to collect Aadhaar data. The advisory had also reignited debate on safety of Aadhaar.
The UIDAI on Sunday state the advisory was issued by its Bengaluru regional office 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 organization 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 However, in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect.”
UIDAI stated “UIDAI-issued Aadhaar card holders are only advised to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers. Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder.”
