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In a massive cutdown on unauthorized mobile apps/ websites, UIDAI, the Unique Identification Authority of India recently ordered closure to 12 websites and 12 mobile applications available on the Google Playstore. The authority also directed the shutdown of 26 more such fraud and illegal websites/apps.
The fraudulent websites and apps were providing Aadhaar-related services illegally by charging excessive money from the people, such as downloading online Aadhaar card, providing status of Aadhaar generation, PVC Aadhaar Card, etc. to residents and in that process they were illegally obtaining the Aadhaar number/enrolment details from the residents, said the UIDAI in a statement.
Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, CEO, UIDAI said, "UIDAI has not authorised the owners of these mobile applications or websites to extend any Aadhaar related services on its behalf".
The UIDAI said any Aadhaar-related demographic information can only be shared following the procedures laid down in the Aadhaar Act, 2016. Any violation of this provision punishable under Section 38 and Chapter VII of the Aadhaar Act.
This provides punishment for "Whoever, not being authorised 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..."
"We are contemplating stern action against them," said Pandey, warning unauthorised websites and mobile applications providers against illegal use of Aadhaar logo in violation of Aadhaar Act and the Copyright Act.
He further cautioned people to be aware against all such unscrupulous entities that are trying to provide unauthorised Aadhaar related services and asked them to remain vigilant for the protection of their privacy.
www.uidai.gov.in is the only authorized website of UIDAI, the statement said addind that for aadhaar related services, public should visit either the official website or authorized Common Service Centres or Aadhaar Permanent Enrolment Centres.