UIDAI Withdraws Advisory on Sharing Aadhaar Photocopy, Cites 'Misinterpretation'

UIDAI had earlier cautioned people against sharing photocopies of their Aadhaar cards to avoid misuse.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had earlier asked citizens to avoid sharing photocopies of their Aadhaar cards since they "can be misused."

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@AlankitGroup)

Two days after publishing an advisory to not share photocopies of Aadhaar cards to avoid misuse, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issued a clarification on Sunday, 29 May, effectively withdrawing the earlier advisory.

The UIDAI withdrew the earlier release "in view of the possibility of the misinterpretation."

In the press release published on Friday, UIDAI said, "Do not share photocopy of your Aadhaar with any organisation as it can be misused. Alternatively, please use a masked Aadhaar which displays only the last four digits of your Aadhaar number."

UIDAI advised exercising normal prudence in using and sharing one's Aadhaar number and said, "Aadhaar Identity Authentication ecosystem has provided adequate features for protecting and safeguarding the identity and privacy of the Aadhaar holder".

The masked version of an Aadhar card can be downloaded from UIDAI's official website by selecting the option "Do you want a masked Aadhaar."

The previous press release also mentioned that people should only share there photocopies of their Aadhaar card to organisations that have obtained a user license from UIDAI and added that private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar card.