New Delhi, July 31: In what appears to be an embarrassment for Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chief Rakesh Sewak Verma, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has asked people not to imitate the Aadhaar dare issued by him on Twitter.

RS Sharma had shared his Aadhaar number on the social media on Saturday, challenging critics to intrude into his privacy using the unique identification number.

Responding to his challenge, a French security hacker who goes by the pseudo name of Elliot Anderson posted Sharma's permanent account number (PAN), personal mobile number, alternative contact number and bank account details. In series of tweets, the hacker claimed he accessed the information using the Aadhaar ID.

Another hacker, who claimed to had obtained the TRAI chief's bank account details through his Aadhaar number, deposited Re 1 into his account.

Although Sharma downplayed the purported hack, saying it does not qualify to be called an intrusion into his privacy, the UIDAI has apparently disapproved of such measures to illustrate the secure framework of Aadhaar.

"Such activities are uncalled for and should be refrained as these are not in accordance with the law," UIDAI said in a statement on Tuesday.

UIDAI said people should "refrain from publicly putting their Aadhaar numbers on Internet and social media and posing challenges to others".

UIDAI also warned that doing Aadhaar authentication through somebody else's Aadhaar number or using someone else's Aadhaar number for any purpose may amount to impersonation and thereby a criminal offence under the Aadhaar Act and Indian Penal Code.

"Any person indulging in such acts or abetting or inciting others to do so makes themselves liable for prosecution and penal action under the law. Therefore people should refrain from such acts," the statement added.

(With inputs from PTI)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2018 09:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).