In response to an RTI inquiry the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has stated that it is probing several complaints of misuse of personal data and duplication of cards while issuing ‘Aadhaar’ numbers to individuals.
“UIDAI has received six complaints regarding errors or complaints regarding use of address documents. Four were received on UIDAI helpline on May 7, 13, 23, 2011 and March 9, 2012 and two by emails on February 27, 2012 and August 10, 2011. The complaints were forwarded to respective authorities,” it said in reply to an RTI query.
Out of these, four were sent to concerned authorities in Delhi and one each to registrars in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
It said that UIDAI had also received “one complaint of alleged duplication of Aadhaar card. Since it is related to some other residents, it cannot be shared”.
The complaints cite the possibility of vulnerability in collection of individual data for the country’s ambitious programme.
UIDAI said it had framed information security policy and other guidelines to ensure safety of individual data being collected in the form of security handbook.
The guidelines were framed for authentication of user agencies, data centre service providers, logistic service providers, registrars, UIDAI employees and for enrolment agencies.
It has, however, received “nil complaints of fake Aadhaar numbers or cards”.
UIDAI is mandated to issue every citizen a 12-digit unique identification number linked to the resident’s demographic and biometric information, which they can use to identify themselves anywhere in India, and to access a host of benefits and services.