Aadhaar Breach – Is your data safe?
Aadhaar Breach – Is your data really safe with the Government?
Aadhaar Breach – Is your data really safe?
A few days ago, Tribune reportedly published a story claiming that only 500 rupees were needed to access anyone’s data. This story was shared widely on social media. And it caught the attention of millions of people across the country as well as the world. This Aadhaar Breach story also caught Edward Snowden’s attention. (Edward Snowden is an American whistleblower who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency, thereby revealing countless global surveillance programmes and raising privacy concerns.)
What does Snowden have to Say?
He tweeted, “The journalists exposing the Aadhaar breach deserve an award, not an investigation. If the government were truly concerned for justice, they would be reforming the policies that destroyed the privacy of a billion Indians. Want to arrest those responsible? They are called UIDAI.” He flayed the Indian Government for its ‘shoot the messenger’ policy.
What does the UIDAI have to say?
UIDAI has restricted 5000 officials from accessing the Aadhaar portal, after the Tribune report. They have reformed the access system now. The data can be accessed only by entering the biometrics of the person. According to a UIDAI official, the system previously allowed designated officials to view the demographic details of Aadhaar holders, to make changes easily.
He, further, said that they haven’t filed an FIR against the reporter. He said that the FIR was only against some unnamed people. UIDAI tweeted, “FIR is against unknown. I’ve suggested @UIDAI to request Tribune & its journalist to give all assistance to police in investigating real offenders.”
What does the Tribune have to Say?
The editor-in-chief of the Tribune said that the sole purpose of the report was to plug the loopholes in the system. He said in a letter to UIDAI, “It is reiterated that complete facts have already been given in the news reports published by The Tribune. We feel sorry that the authorities are unable to appreciate that a breach has taken place. Still, we are more than happy to provide you any such information and will assist UIDAI to maintain the integrity of the Aadhaar data.”
What is UIDAI doing to Ensure Security?
They have already moved about 4000 centers into banks and post offices. Some other 26,000 centers will be moved too, according to a UIDAI official. Furthermore, as already stated above, you can now access your data only after scanning your fingerprint. This move will, hopefully, block future security breaches.
Please share your views and opinions on the Aadhaar Breach in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you and discuss.
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