UIDAI Cautions Users on Using Aadhaar Photocopy, Then Issues Clarification

UIDAI issued a clarification to its earlier statement cautioning users on using Aadhaar photocopies over reports of them being misused

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has clarified on its advisory warning users not to share photocopy of one’s Aadhaar with any organizations because it can be misused. The advisor was issued by the Bengaluru Regional Office, UIDAI. The advisory said: the general public not to share photocopy of one’s Aadhaar with any organizations because it can be misused. Alternatively,  a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number can be used for the purpose. It can be downloaded from UIDAI official website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Select the option “Do you want a masked Aadhaar” and proceed to download.”

The release also asked asked  the public to avoid using a public computer at an internet café or kiosk to download e-Aadhaar. “However if one does so, it should be  ensured that all the downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar are permanently deleted from that computer,” added the release. The release also went on to add that unlicensed private entities were not allowed to collect the photocopies of the Aadhaar card. “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,” it said.

However, the latest release says that these earlier statements now stand withdrawn. “It is learnt that it was issued by them 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 However, in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect,” clarified UIDAI while asking users to “exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers”.