English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Aadhaar vs Privacy: Two warnings from the US

Published

9 years ago

on

Aadhaar-PAN linkage: Finance ministry exempts residents of 3 states, the elderly, foreign citizens

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the recent social security number hack, which exposed the data of 6,000 clients, demonstrates, leaks can spring from the unlikeliest of sources and, given the size of India’s population—plus the fact that UIDs are to be linked to tax returns and bank accounts, a much larger threat hangs on the citizen’s money as well as their security

By Sujit Bhar

The Aadhaar versus privacy issue that has been raging in India has had two warning echoes from the US. Both are scary, and if placed in the backdrop, the possibility of Aadhaar’s unique identity privacy breach doesn’t seem just a conspiracy theory any more.

The huge biometric database that the government of India is forming with the entire population of India coming under the umbrella can come out from strange sources, as the US example says.

Forbes has reported on May 10 that 6,000 Social Security Numbers (SSN) of American clients were unintentionally exposed by a London-based business finance provider firm that helps its clients bypass the banking system and hence its several  paraphernalia, to link with peer-to-peer funding. But the missing link and the expose came from another source, said Forbes. The company has admitted that “a misconfigured Amazon Web Services database exposed more than 13 million marketing email addresses for individuals,” Forbes reported.

SSNs in the US are an all-encompassing database that includes a huge number of data on the person, starting from tax returns to his security details and more. Details of all this will be available to anybody who can use these numbers on special networks (such as the police or the NSA) and may be able to use such data to adversely affect the person’s credibility and even security.

Aadhaar, will have, over and above, biometric details of the person, which are very critical in as far as security goes. With Aadhaar now being linked to PAN, tax filings would be within the grasp of a hacker, so will bank account details and whatever else comes within the purview of the UID.

Of the huge database glitch, Forbes says: “Additionally, private data sets Funding Circle had purchased from third parties and credit agencies including Dun & Bradstreet, Experian and Powerlytics were left open.” Which means anybody who wanted to get data about these people need not even be hackers. It was being served on a platter to whosoever wanted to get hold of such information.

The scariest part of the entire episode was that the clients themselves had no hand in the breach, and it did not even happen at any place where they may have expected it to, such as their home computers or the IRS of the US.

With the internet’s extensive reach, such data from Aadhaar could also land with terrorists, who can use any identity to cover their tracks.

In another story, that appeared in Mashable, it was announced that all American airports would soon have face scanning as a must. This presents another set of data hacking opportunities. While the entire exercise is laudable for its intent, any auxiliary intent could be counter-productive, to say the least.

More importantly, a face scan means that this data will have biometric information, which is more critical. Biometric data is possibly the best way of identification these days and Aadhaar has such information in plenty.  One biometric scan in any airport anywhere in the world would leave an Indian citizen open to scams.

There is need for a lot of caution regarding collecting public data and in a country as disorganised as India, this should be treated even more carefully.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

PM Modi paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, saying true leadership is defined by conduct and values, not by position.

Published

14 hours ago

on

December 25, 2025

By

PM Modi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal, says leadership is defined by conduct

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

Continue Reading

India News

Cried over Gaza, not a word on Bangladesh: Yogi Adityanath attacks opposition in UP Assembly

Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition in the UP Assembly, accusing them of selective outrage over Gaza while remaining silent on violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Published

15 hours ago

on

December 25, 2025

By

Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during proceedings in the State Assembly, accusing rival parties of indulging in selective outrage and appeasement politics while remaining silent on incidents involving Hindus in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

Referring to recent incidents across the border, the Chief Minister said the Opposition raises its voice on international issues selectively but avoids speaking out when minorities, especially Hindus, are targeted in nearby nations.

“You shed tears over developments in Gaza, but not a single word comes out when a Dalit youth is killed in Bangladesh,” Adityanath said in the Assembly, alleging that such silence exposes the Opposition’s political priorities.

The Chief Minister further claimed that incidents of violence against Hindus would not have occurred had Pakistan and Bangladesh not been created, reiterating that issues are often viewed through the prism of vote bank politics. He said candle marches are organised for global events, but killings of Hindus in Pakistan or Bangladesh do not evoke similar responses.

Adityanath also called for a condemnation resolution in the Assembly, stating that it should ideally come from the Leader of the Opposition. He said such a resolution should clearly condemn the killing and convey a warning to the Bangladesh government.

Allegations over illegal immigration

Targeting the Opposition on the issue of illegal immigration, the Chief Minister alleged that they support Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. He claimed that when authorities take action to expel illegal immigrants, Opposition leaders come out in their defence, alleging that many of them have been facilitated with voter registrations and Aadhaar cards.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have been visible following recent developments. India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week amid concerns arising from incidents in the neighbouring country.

The summons came in the backdrop of protests in Bangladesh following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in separate incidents. Dipu Das, a 27-year-old youth from Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy on December 18, and his body was later set on fire, triggering widespread outrage.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh condemned the incident. Education Adviser C R Abrar visited the bereaved family on behalf of the government, expressed condolences, and assured them of financial and welfare assistance. The Office of the Chief Adviser also reiterated its resolve to protect all citizens and ensure justice in the case.

The killing has once again raised concerns at the international level over the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, with minority groups demanding strict action against those responsible.

Continue Reading

India News

Christmas 2025 wishes for WhatsApp and Instagram status to share joy and warmth

From faith and kindness to love and joy, here are simple Christmas 2025 wishes you can use as WhatsApp and Instagram status messages.

Published

15 hours ago

on

December 25, 2025

By

Merry christmas

As Christmas 2025 is being celebrated across the world, people are marking the occasion by sharing warm messages with family, friends and loved ones. The festival commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed as a time of faith, kindness and togetherness. Along with prayers, gifts and festive meals, social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have become popular spaces for expressing Christmas greetings.

Christmas is traditionally associated with reflecting God’s love through generosity and compassion, while also strengthening bonds with close ones. Many people choose short, meaningful lines as their social media status to capture the spirit of the day and convey goodwill.

Here is a curated list of loving Christmas 2025 wishes that can be used as WhatsApp or Instagram status messages on the joyful occasion:

  1. Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with love, laughter and your favourite moments.
  2. Wishing you a Christmas as bright and cheerful as your smile.
  3. May your heart be full of joy and your home be filled with love this Christmas.
  4. Sending warm Christmas wishes with a touch of festive magic.
  5. Merry Christmas! May peace and happiness surround you today.
  6. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
  7. May the spirit of Christmas bring love to your heart and warmth to your home.
  8. Wishing you a Christmas that is merry, bright and full of cheer.
  9. May your Christmas be rich with laughter, love and cherished traditions.
  10. Sending love, joy and the warmest Christmas wishes your way.
  11. Merry Christmas! Celebrate the day with family, friends and good food.
  12. Wishing you a Christmas filled with magic, wonder and joy.
  13. May the joy of Christmas stay with you throughout the year.
  14. Wishing you a Christmas as special as you are.
  15. Merry Christmas! Wishing happiness and good fortune always.

These short messages reflect the essence of Christmas 2025 and can be easily shared as status updates to spread positivity and festive warmth.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com