The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a parliamentary committee has been formed to examine the security and confidentiality of Aadhaar data. This committee will be headed by Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor. From time to time questions arise about the security and confidentiality of Aadhaar. The Congress has also accused Aadhaar of leaking data several times. However, every time it is said by the government that Aadhaar data is completely safe.
The committee headed by Shashi Tharoor will examine the security and confidentiality of citizens' data and review the functioning of UIDAI. Giving information about this, the Lok Sabha Secretariat said that this committee has selected various aspects for investigation. These include policy issues on information technology, including cross-border data flows, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
Apart from this, the committee will also review the functioning of telecom regulator TRAI, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and the country's preparedness for 5G. The Lok Sabha Secretariat said, 'Review of the functioning of UIDAI, security and privacy of citizens' data and online security measures for data security have been included in the subjects selected by the committee for investigation.
This committee will also review issues such as protecting the rights of citizens, preventing the misuse of social media and online news, and women safety on media and digital platforms. Significantly, the Central Government has stepped up the exercise of linking all the data of citizens with Aadhaar. Under the scheme, most of the documents across the country are being linked with Aadhaar. However, the government is currently running a campaign to link Aadhaar card to PAN card. According to the government rule, it is mandatory to link those individuals who have a PAN card with the Aadhaar card. If the PAN card is not linked to the Aadhaar card, then the PAN card will not be accepted and it will be of no use.