As a precaution against Aadhaar misuse, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has advised Aadhaar cardholders not to share their Aadhaar photocopy with any entity. “Do not share photocopies of your Aadhaar with any organisations since it can be exploited,” the UIDAI, which is administered by the Government of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), warned in an official notice. Please use a masked Aadhaar instead, which only shows the last four digits of your Aadhaar number.”
UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) “The Mask Aadhaar option allows you to hide your Aadhaar number from your e-Aadhaar download. Masked Aadhaar numbers are created by substituting the first eight digits of the Aadhaar number with characters such as “xxxx-xxxx,” leaving only the last four digits visible.”
After forcing everyone to distribute #aadhar photocopies liberally and compulsorily- govt wakes up to danger! Techie billionaires don’t have all knowledge @NandanNilekani See the havoc you caused by REFUSING to listen! pic.twitter.com/D63BQG3K3h
— Sucheta Dalal (@suchetadalal) May 29, 2022
Masked Aadhaar may be used anywhere in India at any time because it is merely a physical copy of your Aadhaar that can be used online or offline. By browsing the UIDAI website and selecting the myaadhaar option, the disguised Aadhaar may be obtained. “Please avoid utilising a public computer at an internet cafe/kiosk to get e-Aadhaar,” the UIDAI urged citizens. However, if you do so, make sure to permanently delete all downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar from your computer.”
In order to download e-Aadhaar safely, UIDAI suggests contacting those organisations that have received a user licence from UIDAI and may use Aadhaar to confirm a person’s identity. Unlicensed private businesses, like hotels or movie theatres, are not permitted to acquire or retain copies of Aadhaar cards, and if one is asked for one, one should check the entity’s UIDAI user licence.
UIDAI has also said on its website that “Aadhaar cards should be freely used for confirming the identity and conducting transactions, but should not be shared on public platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms.” When purchasing items, paying school fees, water, electricity, telephone, and other utility bills, people provide their debit card or credit card information, or a check (which includes a bank account number). Similarly, you can use your Aadhaar to establish your identity whenever and wherever you choose. You should use Aadhaar with the same level of caution as you would with any other ID card – not more, nor less.”
