tech2 News Staff

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken strict action against fraudulent Aadhaar websites and applications. Demonstrating zero tolerance against third parties fleecing unsuspecting customers, UIDAI has shut down 12 websites and 12 mobile applications available on the Play Store. UIDAI has directed the closure of 26 more illegal and unauthorised websites and applications.

The websites were charging exorbitant amounts for providing Aadhaar related services such as PVC Aadhaar card, downloading Aadhaar card online, status of Aadhaar generation, and using these services to illegally obtain sensitive information about citizens. Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO, UIDAI, said "UIDAI has not authorized the owners of these mobile applications or websites to extend any Aadhaar related services on its behalf."

Aadhaar lined information can only be shared according to the procedures laid out in the Aadhaar Act, 2016. Unauthorised use of the data is punishable Section 28, Chapter VII which penalises "Whoever, not being authorized by the Authority, intentionally accesses or secures, downloads, copies or extracts any data from the Central Identities Data Repository or stored in any removable storage medium…" UIDAI has asked citizens to remain vigilant in the interest of protecting their privacy.

The only official website for the Aadhaar card is www.uidai.gov.in. No other website is authorised to provide Aadhaar services, or use the Aadhaar name, and if they do, they are illegal. UIDAI is contemplating stern action against websites and applications that use the Aadhaar logo in their software products, as that is a violation of both the Aadhaar Act and the Copyright Act. If any user loses their Aadhaar card, they can print out the card free of cost from the UIDAI website, the printout is as valid as the original Aadhaar letter.