It seems that the controversies around the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) refuse to douse. No matter how much the Aadhaar or government officials deny the fact of information being leaked or available online, the reality is otherwise. With time, there are different ways and methods propping up that suggest that any random person who wants to access Aadhaar data, can dig it from anywhere on the internet.

According to a report on Moneylife, a person can access Aadhaar data by simply typing ‘Mera Aadhaar Meri Pehchan’ on Google. There, the user will be able to access Aadhaar card data of some random people. The details of the individuals are uploaded by third parties or agents.

It comes as a shocking development that a simple Google search can reveal so much about someone. More so, it is about the UIDAI details that are made available online, which makes the person’s identity vulnerable to many risks. The only positive thing about the same is that there are no biometric data made available.

Recently, the official account of UIDAI issued a clarification on the micro-blogging site Twitter that reports of Aadhaar data being made available online are irresponsible. Read excerpts from the full statement by UIDAI officials:

  • UIDAI has dismissed the reports as irresponsible which appeared in a section of social and other media on the security of Aadhaar system being questioned on account of a few Aadhaar cards reportedly put on the internet by some unscrupulous elements.

  • UIDAI has advised people not to get confused with such reports which are far from the truth and intended to spread misinformation on India's robust identity system - Aadhaar - unnecessarily.

  • Publication of Aadhaar cards by some people have absolutely no bearing on UIDAI and not the least on Aadhaar security. Aadhaar as an identity document by its very nature needs to be shared openly with others as and when required and asked for.

  • Aadhaar is the most trusted and widely held ID that one shows/presents whenever needed. People should freely use it to prove their identity.

There are several such incidents that have come up in the past too. People have had access to many such Aadhaar details after reported leaks. With another episode of Aadhaar data leak, it is a worrying sign for the citizens and authorities too. If the data that is meant to be a safe and secure identification of an individual is so vulnerable, what credibility does it have then?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 16, 2018 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).