UIDAI advises against sharing Aadhaar details on social media
The UIDAI has said just like users would not share their PAN, Debit/Credit card details on social media, they should follow the same set of rules with Aadhaar. Answering a series of FAQs, the authority said this doesn't mean citizens shouldn't use their Aadhaar freely, but they should employ some level of diligence. UIDAI said sharing Aadhaar details has become a dare of sorts.
Earlier, former Aadhaar chief shared his details on social-media
It should be noted that former Aadhaar chief RS Sharma recently shared his details on social media, to prove it was secure. The hackers claimed they knew a lot about Sharma from his 12-digit number. In the entire row, Sharma maintained his details were 'Google-able', and no harm was caused to him. Back then too, UIDAI had cautioned against sharing details on social media.
UIDAI busts concerns, claims Aadhaar can't be misused
The UIDAI said sharing Aadhaar was becoming a dare and asked to not follow it. "While using Aadhaar, you should do the same level of due diligence as you do in case of other ID cards- not more, not less," UIDAI said. When asked if Aadhaar can be misused, UIDAI answered in the negative, saying since Aadhaar was instantly verifiable, it was more secure.
Impossible to impersonate you by using Aadhaar, says UIDAI
"More significantly, an Aadhaar card is by law required to be verified by fingerprint, Iris scan OTP authentication and QR code. Hence, it is near impossible to impersonate you if you use Aadhaar to prove your identity," the UIDAI added.
"Just having Aadhaar doesn't mean bank account can be opened"
Further, UIDAI said merely getting hands-on Aadhaar didn't mean one can open a bank account in someone's name. For that, biometrics and OTP authentication are required. It added if somehow an account was opened without following procedure, the bank would be responsible for the losses. UIDAI also went on to say that no one can access funds in a bank account with someone else's Aadhaar card.
