Aadhaar Myth Busters
We are going to break all the Aadhaar Myths in the market.
1. UIDAI has all my data including bio-metrics, bank account, PAN, etc. Will it track my activities?
Absolutely false.
UIDAI database has only minimal information that you give at the time of enrollment or update.
UIDAI database will store the following details only.
1. Name
2. address
3. gender
4. date of birth
5. ten finger prints
6. two Iris scans
7. facial photograph
8. mobile number (optional)
9. email ID (optional).
UIDAI database will not store the following details
1. bank accounts
2. shares
3. mutual funds
4. financial and property details
5. health records
6. family
7. caste
8. religion
9. education
UIDAI database has only minimal information
Section 32(3) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 specifically prohibits UIDAI from controlling, collecting, keeping or maintaining any information about the purpose of authentication either by itself or through any entity.
Aadhaar Myth Busted
Point to be noted : Aadhaar is an identifier, not a profiling tool.
2. But when I link my bank accounts, shares, mutual funds and my mobile phones with Aadhaar, will UIDAI not get these information?
Absolutely not. When you give Aadhaar number to your banks, mutual fund companies, mobile phone companies, they only send Aadhaar number, your biometrics (given at the time authentication) and your name etc. to UIDAI for verification for your identity. They do not send your bank account details to UIDAI.
As far as UIDAI is concerned, it responds to such verification requests by replying either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
UIDAI never receives or collects your bank, investments, insurance etc. details.
In few cases, if the verification answer is ‘Yes’, your basic KYC details (name, address, photo etc) available with UIDAI, are sent to the service provider.
Aadhaar Myth Busted
3. Can someone hack into my bank account if they get to know my Aadhaar number?
Absolutely false. Just as by merely knowing your ATM card number, no one can withdraw money from the ATM machine; by knowing your Aadhaar number alone, no one can hack into your bank account and withdraw money.
Since UIDAI doesnt have any bank account details, no one can hack your bank account using aadhar number.
You cant access any of your account details by only using aadhar number.
4. Is it mandatory to link my bank account with Aadhaar?
No. linking your bank account with Aadhaar in this case is optional.
If you want to receive any benefit or subsidy under any scheme notified under section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 (18 of 2016), it is mandatory to submit Aadhaar number to the banking service provider(Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Third Amendment Rules, 2019).
For other banking services, Aadhaar is a preferred KYC document.
5. Is Aadhaar mandatory for getting mobile SIM?
NO.
You can use your aadhar card as KYC to buy a new sim card/mobile connection.
It is always advisable to use a sim card or mobile number which is verified and linked with aadhar card.
If mobile number is verified and linked with Aadhaar, no one can use it illegally for criminal use.
Aadhaar Myth
6. Can the mobile company store my biometrics taken at the time of SIM verification and use it for other purposes later?
No one can store your Aadhar card biometric details. It is a punishable offence under the Aadhaar Act 2016.
Your biometrics are encrypted immediately after your keep your finger on fingerprint sensor and the encrypted data is sent to UIDAI for verification.
Aadhaar Myth Busted
Regulation 17(1)(a) of the Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulations 2016 strictly prohibits any requesting entity which includes mobile phone companies, banks etc from storing, sharing or publishing the finger-prints for any reason whatsoever and neither shall it retain any copy of such fingerprints.
7. Is Aadhaar mandatory for school admissions?
Aadhaar is not mandatory for school admissions or for the examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Examination, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical entrance or the University Grants Commission.
Aadhaar Myth Busted
UIDAI’s press release – https://uidai.gov.in/images/news/press-release-06092018.pdf
8. Are NRIs eligible to enrol for Aadhaar? Can they use Aadhaar for banking, mobile, PAN and other services?
Yes, NRIs are also eligible to enroll for Aadhaar.
1. Indian Passport is a mandatory Proof of Identity for Aadhaar enrollment for NRIs.
2. If it is mandatory to submit Aadhar in some of the banks or any departments, NRI should also follow the same.
3. NRI can also use aadhar card for getting be services in India.
9. can essential services like pension & ration be denied for want of Aadhaar?
No. It is clearly mentioned in Section 7 that until a person is assigned an Aadhaar number, he/she cannot be denied ration or pension or such other entitlements for want of Aadhaar .
The person can be verified using alternate Identity documents.
You can complain to higher authorities if there is a denial of services.
10. Is eAadhaar equal to Original Aadhar?
eAadhaar (downloaded Aadhaar) from UIDAI website is as legally valid as original Aadhaar issued by UIDAI.
eAadhaar, Aadhaar Letter or mAadhaar Profile, all should be accepted by all Agencies.
If any official/ agency/ department refuses to accept downloaded eAadhaar, the Aadhaar holder may lodge complaint with the concerned authorities of those departments/ agencies.
11. How has Aadhaar benefited the common man?
1. credible identity.
2. Aadhaar is a widely trusted verifiable identity.
3. Unbanked rural people in remote areas of the country can use their Aadhaar to open bank accounts and get government benefits directly in their accounts.
4. Aadhaar-based services like Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) have helped bring bank services to remote villages and towns.
5. The elderly are able to use door-step banking access to their government benefits.
6. With Aadhaar based e-KYC, many service providers have been able to achieve paper-less user verification and instant services.
Aadhaar Myth Busted
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