Recently, a report was released that showed how easy it is to access the Aadhaar database with just Rs. 500 and internet connectivity. This raised a lot of concerns regarding the security of private data. A five judge Constitution Bench will also take up this issue on its validity.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) answered a few questions to ease the ongoing tension.
1) UIDAI has all my data like biometrics, bank account, PAN, etc. Will it be used to track my activities?
This is not true. UIDAI database has the following information:
1. Your name, address, DOB, gender, date of birth
2. Ten fingerprints, two IRIS scans, facial photograph
3. Mobile number and email ID.
UIDAI does not have information about family, caste, religion, education, bank accounts, shares, mutual funds, financial and property details, health records. Section 32(3) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 specifically prohibits UIDAI from collecting or controlling saved information.
2) When I link my bank accounts, shares, mutual funds and my mobile phones with Aadhaar, will UIDAI get this information?
No, the time you link your Aadhaar number to your banks, mutual fund companies, mobile phone companies, they only send Aadhaar number, your biometrics and your name to UIDAI for verification for your identity.
3) Can someone use my Aadhaar number to hack into my bank account?
Absolutely not, for example knowing only your ATM card number will not help anyone to withdraw money from an ATM machine. Exactly like that one cannot hack into your bank account just with your Aadhaar number.
4) What is the point of linking all my bank accounts with Aadhaar?
This is done to allow us to narrow down on fraudsters and money launderers. This will help authorities track down fraudulent transactions made. Linking your Aadhaar to your bank accounts make your accounts more secure.
5) Why do I have to link my mobile numbers to my Aadhaar card?
This will help to verify the identity of all mobile subscribers. This is also done to weed out the criminals and fraudsters.
