The Indian newspaper claims to have sourced the entire Aadhar database for just INR 500 ($7.8) after contacting an ‘agent’ via a WhatsApp group. A login ID and password given by the anonymous agent provides access to personally identifiable information including name, address, postal code (PIN), mobile number, photo, and email.
The Aadhaar cards can also be printed using a software after paying INR 300. Tribune’s report further claims that the racket might have existed since the last six months and there could be around 1 lakh illegal users.
However, in a recent series of tweets, UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has falsified the claims of the report that might have given more than a billion Indians a chill down their spine. UIDAI called the story “a case of misreporting” and denied any possibility of an Aadhaar data breach and the biometric data of Aadhaar holders dripping in broad daylight.
The authority said that some people misused the demographic search facility which provides limited access to name & other details. The search is provided to officials who use it to retrieve details of people who have lost their Aadhaar cards.
@UIDAI maintains complete log & traceability of the facility, any misuse is traceable. Legal action taken, including FIR against persons involved. Search facility gives limited access to name & other details, has no access to biometric details @thetribunechd @rsprasad @ceo_uidai
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) January 4, 2018
It’s already known that Aadhaar is not a secret number and it can be shared. According to UIDAI, the availability of the information can’t lead to financial losses or other fraud as it requires authentication using fingerprint or iris recognition.
No #Aadhaar data breach; Aadhaar data including biometric information is fully safe and secure: @UIDAI, denying report by @thetribunechd, saying it is a case of misreporting 1/2 pic.twitter.com/2d4ORHqqMh
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 4, 2018
Claims of bypassing or duping the #Aadhaar enrollment system are totally unfounded: @UIDAI, denying report by @thetribunechd 2/2 pic.twitter.com/Rn3k15mDJJ
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 4, 2018
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