UIDAI pulls down unauthorized Aadhaar websites and mobile apps: Report

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has shut down a number of unauthorized websites and mobile apps that were conducting Aadhaar-related services illegally by charging excessive money from the uninformed public. A report from the Economic Times claims that the UIDAI has pulled down 12 websites and 12 mobile apps, that violate the procedures laid down by the Aadhaar Act of 2016. The UIDAI seems to be on a manhunt and has even directed the shutdown of an additional 26 websites and mobile apps that are reportedly conducting illegal business in the guise of providing Aadhaar services. These websites and mobile applications that are now deemed illegal by the UIDAI have been providing services such as downloading online Aadhaar card, providing status of Aadhaar generation, PVC Aadhaar Card and more and even charging excessive money for services rendered. The UIDAI states that apart from not being authorized to render such services, the mobile apps and websites have also been illegally collecting Aadhaar and user data from the customers in the process. The same is punishable by law under Section 38 and Chapter VII of the Aadhaar Act. Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO, UIDAI warned the public against the use of such websites and mobile apps as they, do in more ways than one, invade a citizen’s privacy. Only 12 mobile apps have been pulled down from the Google Play store. But with so many more available it is wise to give out Aadhaar related information only on the government authorized Aadhaar-related mobile applications and websites.