Aadhaar is a 12 digit
biometric number issued by UIDAI to individuals. There are approximately 112 crore
Aadhaar card holders in India. But recently Aadhaar has been criticized for
violating the privacy. Aadhaar is inclusive and unique digital identity
platform that can be authenticated to participate in any digital transaction. But
now questions have been raised regarding the privacy of the aadhaar holder’s
details.
Security Concerns Related To Aadhaar
a a) Aadhaar
being mass surveillance technology undermines security.
b) Biometric
information being necessary for targeted surveillance is not suitable for
everyday transaction and can easily be misused.
c) Though
UIDAI promises the high level of security claiming that Aadhaar is a zero
knowledge database. But there is chance of misuse of information.
Action Taken By The Government
All
the issues arising out of the controversy of Aadhaar card were heard by the Supreme
Court. July 18 has been fixed as the date of hearing and then it will be
decided whether right to privacy is a fundamental right or not. An interim
order making aadhaar mandatory for availing social welfare schemes benefit was
refused by the apex court on June 27. The
apex court challenged government’s notification of making Aadhar mandatory for availing
various social welfare scheme benefits. The apex court also passed few orders
for not making Aadhaar mandatory for availing social welfare benefits. Now the
apex court had allowed to avail benefits of certain schemes like Jan Dhan
scheme, the LPG subsidy, and the public distribution system.
Government
need to take a level-headed approach and put safeguards for data protection and
privacy. Need for Aadhaar and rules concerning access to security of biometric
data of citizens to preserve their privacy.
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