Delhi government warns officials against uploading Aadhaar, mobile numbers online
What's the story
The Delhi government has asked all Heads of Departments not to upload documents containing "sensitive" personal information like Aadhaar and mobile numbers on the websites of their respective departments. In a communication issued on September 11, the Delhi government's IT Department has asked Principal Secretaries and Secretaries to review the contents already uploaded on their websites and remove sensitive information immediately if any.
Warnings
Delhi government received warnings from IT Ministry
The move came after Delhi government received several "warnings" from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. In the communication, Special Secretary (Information Technology) Ajay Chagti also sought confirmation letter by Departments that their website doesn't contain any "sensitive" information. "It has been observed that some Departments are uploading documents containing sensitive personal information like Aadhaar numbers, mobile numbers, etc. on their websites," Chagti said.
Advisory
Departments are advised to adhere to Aadhaar Act, IT Act
"IT department has been frequently receiving warnings/communication from CERT-In regarding Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Domain 'http://delhi.gov.in' and 'ndelhi.gov.in'," Chagti said. CERT-In is a functional organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology with an objective of securing Indian cyberspace. Chagti said all department and agencies are advised to adhere to the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016 and Information Technology Act 2000.
SC ruling
SC ruled Aadhaar isn't mandatory for bank accounts, mobile connections
The IT department also shared with HODs 'General guidelines for securing identity information and sensitive personal data or information in compliance to Aadhaar Act, 2016 and Information Technology Act, 2000' issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. On September 26, the SC upheld the constitutional validity of 'Aadhaar', ruling that it is not mandatory for bank accounts, mobile connections or school admissions.