Masked Aadhaar, photocopy warning, then withdrawal: UIDAI advisory, govt clarification explained

The Aadhaar identity card is in the eye of yet another storm. It all began with an advisory issued on May 27 by the UIDAI, the authority which issues Aadhaar.

The Unique Identification Authority of India "warned the general public not to share photocopy of one’s Aadhaar with any organizations because it can be misused". Instead, the UIDAI said that a "masked Aadhaar" can be used.

A masked Aadhaar hides the digits of the unique ID number, except the last four. A masked Aadhaar can be downloaded from UIDAI's official website under an option which says, "Do you want a masked Aadhaar?"

In the May 27 advisory, the UIDAI also warned against using public computers at cyber cafes etc to download e-Aadhaar. The advisory also said that unlicensed private entities like hotels or movie theatres cannot collect or keep Aadhaar copies, as specific permission from UIDAI is needed to do so.

However, two days later, the Union Electronics and Information Technology Ministry issued a clarification. The government withdrew the May 27 advisory, saying that there was "possibility of misinterpretation".

The government said that the press release had been issued by UIDAI's Bengaluru regional office in context of an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar card.

The government added, "Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder." It said, "Aadhaar card holders are only advised to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers."