Centre Issues Clarification On Aadhaar Sharing Advisory

New Delhi: The Centre on Sunday withdrew its press release, advising citizens against sharing Aadhar card details with any organisation, citing the possibility of ‘misinterpretation’.

Instead, Aadhaar holders are only advised to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing it, the notice issued by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said.

The press release issued on May 27 triggered panic as Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had also asked citizens to only share masked copies of their Aadhaar cards to prevent misuse.

“Unlicensed private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar cards. 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 a valid User License from the UIDAI,” the earlier release added.

The ministry has, however, clarified that Aadhaar has features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the holder. “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 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,” it said

“In view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect.”