1. What Aadhaar Stores
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Basic demographics: Name, DOB, gender, address
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Biometric data: Fingerprints, iris scan, photograph
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Aadhaar Number (UID) – a 12-digit unique ID
2. Data Protection Mechanisms
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Data is encrypted at multiple levels (at collection, transit, and storage).
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Stored in Central Identities Data Repository (CIDR) maintained by UIDAI.
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UIDAI uses 2048-bit encryption, one of the most secure in the world.
3. Access and Usage Restrictions
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Only authorized agencies can access Aadhaar data for verification.
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No agency can store or replicate biometric data.
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Aadhaar authentication does not disclose your actual details, only “Yes/No”.
4. Legal Safeguards
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Governed under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and updated by the Data Protection Bill.
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Unauthorized access or misuse is punishable with fines and imprisonment.
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Users have the right to file grievances or complaints with UIDAI.
5. Security Features for Users
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Aadhaar Lock/Unlock: Users can lock their Aadhaar number and biometrics via UIDAI.
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Virtual ID (VID): A 16-digit temporary ID used for authentication instead of Aadhaar number.
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Masked Aadhaar: Hides the first 8 digits when sharing Aadhaar copies.
6. Best Practices for Aadhaar Holders
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Don’t share Aadhaar photocopies with unknown entities.
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Use Masked Aadhaar where full number isn’t necessary.
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Regularly check Aadhaar authentication history via UIDAI portal.
7. Myths vs Facts
- Myth: Aadhaar tracks your location.
Fact: UIDAI does not collect location/GPS data. - Myth: Aadhaar data is shared with third parties.
Fact: UIDAI does not share data with any third party without user consent.