In order to avoid any misuse, the government has warned the citizens against sharing Aadhaar photocopies to organizations. Instead, the government has urged citizens to follow a normal prudence while using or sharing the numbers.
Earlier, in order to prevent any misuse, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) had asked people only to share the masked Aadhaar copies. It was also suggested by the warning about masking Aadhaar to show only the last four digits by visiting https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
On the site of myaadhaar, any Aadhaar number can be verified for which the government said “to verify offline, you can scan the QR code on e-Aadhaar or Aadhaar letter or Aadhaar PVC card using QR code scanner in the Aadhaar mobile application app.”
It added that “If a private entity demands to see your Aadhaar card, or seeks a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, please verify that they have a valid user license from the UIDAI.”
The earlier release had said that “Unlicensed private entities like hotels or film halls are not permitted to collect or keep copies of Aadhaar cards. It is an offense under the Aadhaar Act 2016. If a private entity demands to see your Aadhaar card, or seeks a photocopy of your Aadhaar card, please verify that they have a valid User License from the UIDAI.”
The Union Electronics and Information Technology Ministry – in a press release dated 27 May – had advised citizens to share only masked Aadhaar that shows only the last four digits instead of the full number. This can easily be downloaded from the Aadhaar website simply by clicking ‘Do you want masked Aadhaar” option.
