Ministry of Electronics & IT
Clarification on Aadhaar sharing issue by UIDAI
This is in pursuant of the Press Release dated 27 May 2022 by the Bengaluru Regional Office, UIDAI.
It is learnt that it was issued by them in the context of an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar card. The release advised the people to not to share photocopy of their Aadhaar with any organization because it can be misused. Alternatively, a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of Aadhaar number, can be used.
However, in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation of the Press Release, the same stands withdrawn with immediate effect.
UIDAI issued Aadhaar card holders are only advised to exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their UIDAI Aadhaar numbers.
Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder.
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Government of India
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), 3rd Floor South Wing. Khanija Bhavan,
No.49, Race Course Road, Bengaluru — 560001
PRESS RELEASE
Date — 27 May 2022
Caution
Do not share photocopy of your Aadhaar with any organizations because it can be misused. Alternatively, please use a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last 4 digits of your Aadhaar number. It can be downloaded from UIDAI official website https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Please select the option “Do you want a masked Aadhaar” and proceed to download.
The existence of any Aadhaar number can be verified at https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/verifyAadhaar. To verify offline, you can scan the QR code on e-Aadhaar or Aadhaar letter or Aadhaar PVC card using QR code scanner in the mAadhaar mobile application.
Please avoid using a public computer at an internet cafe/kiosk to download e-Aadhaar. However if you do so, please ensure that you delete all the downloaded copies of e-Aadhaar permanently from that computer.
Only those organizations that have obtained a User License from the UIDAI can use Aadhaar for establishing the identity of a person. Unlicensed private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar card. It is an offence under the Aadhaar Act 2016. If a private entity demands to see your Aadhaar card, or seeks a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, please verify that they have valid User License from the UIDAI.
