UIDAI Takes Action Against Misuse of Aadhaar IDs

In a significant move to prevent the misuse of Aadhaar numbers, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated approximately 1.2 crore Aadhaar IDs belonging to deceased individuals. This action was taken after thorough verification using death records from 24 states and Union Territories across India. The initiative aims to ensure that the Aadhaar system remains secure and reliable, preventing any fraudulent activities that could arise from the use of IDs of deceased persons.

New Service for Reporting Deaths on myAadhaar Portal

To facilitate this process, UIDAI has introduced a new service on the myAadhaar portal. This service allows family members to report the death of an Aadhaar holder, ensuring that their Aadhaar number is promptly deactivated. By enabling families to directly report such cases, UIDAI aims to maintain an up-to-date and accurate database, reducing the risk of identity theft or misuse.

Focus on Centenarian Aadhaar Holders

In addition to deactivating IDs of deceased individuals, UIDAI is also scrutinizing cases where Aadhaar holders are reported to be over 100 years old. This review process is crucial as it helps identify any discrepancies or potential errors in the database. By focusing on centenarian cases, UIDAI seeks to ensure that all active Aadhaar numbers are valid and belong to living individuals.

Implications for Data Security and Integrity

The deactivation of these Aadhaar IDs underscores UIDAI’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of India’s digital identification system. By actively managing and updating its records, UIDAI not only protects individual identities but also strengthens public trust in the Aadhaar system. This proactive approach is essential in safeguarding against identity fraud and ensuring that government services linked to Aadhaar are delivered efficiently and accurately.