Amid debates over privacy and the safety of Aadhaar data, a woman has alleged that she was recently shocked to learn at least nine mobile phone connections have already been linked to her 12-digit unique identification when she went to her telecom operator to get her cell number linked.
Taking to Twitter, the woman said: “Went to an Airtel store to get AADHAAR linked to the single mobile number i have been using since 2000. Was told there are 9 connections already linked to my AADHAAR!”
She also added that the executive told her that the operator had allowed six connections, but failed to explain how the seventh, eighth and ninth connections were linked to her Aadhaar.
“I was told upto 6 connections are allowed. What the executive couldn't explain was how were 7th, 8th and 9th connections added!,” she tweeted, adding that she had not used an Aadhaar to buy the SIM.
Replying to her complaint, Bharti Airtel said it was investigating the matter.
“Hi! I respect your views & appreciate you explaining me on the situation! As discussed, I'm checking the best possible solution to this & will get back with an update as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience. – Raman,” Airtel tweeted.
Surprisingly, neither the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which collects data for Aadhaar or Bharti Airtel flagged her earlier about the issue.
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) asked her to complain against the mobile company to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or TERM cell of DOT for fraudulently issuing SIM against her Aadhaar number.
“At least the Aadhaar holder knows how many mobiles are linked to his/her Aadhaar number. In such cases one can complain against the mobile company to TRAI or TERM cell of DOT for fraudulently issuing SIM against their Aadhaar Number.” said UIDAI in its reply.
It added that: “The mobile company must provide evidence as to when and how these mobiles were linked to the Aadhaar Number, or face action for fraudulent acts by its employees.”
Last month, an investigation by The Tribune had revealed that details of Aadhaar are easily accessible, that too just by paying Rs 500.
According to the newspaper, its reporter purchased a service by anonymous sellers on WhatsApp and paid Rs 500 via Paytm to an agent of the group running a racket. The agent then created a “gateway” for the reporter and gave a login ID and password, thus giving unrestricted access to details, including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email, of more than 1 billion Aadhaar numbers submitted to the UIDAI.
In December, the government extended the deadline for mandatory Aadhaar linking from December 31 to March 31, 2018.
