February 9, 2017
Special Mention by Trinamool’s Derek O’Brien on the lack of security in Aadhaar services
Over 50 websites and mobile applications that have been shut down recently,which provided Aadhaar related services illegally. These apps and websites provided unauthorized Aadhaar related services like downloading the Aadhaar card, providing status of Aadhaar generation, PVC Aadhaar Card, etc. to users, and collected data about Aadhaar numbers and enrolment details.
The Unique Identification Authority of India stated that none of the owners of these apps or websites have been authorized to provide such services, or collect the data, and that their actions are illegal. The Government should name and list the culprits on a separate page, which users could share to avoid getting scammed and raise public awareness about such scams.
It has become increasingly important for the government to secure the Aadhaar database as it is now being used all over the country. Last month, various private companies were asked not to allow merchants on their platforms to collect Aadhaar information from the general public for printing Aadhaar cards.
Earlier in January 2017, the government announced Aadhaar Pay which allows anyone to link their bank account with their Aadhaar number, to make and receive payments electronically. With the lack of privacy and data protection legislation, it is necessary to provide for security standards for collection and storage of Aadhaar data.
