Now, carry your Aadhaar profile on your mobile phones
What's the story
An app called mAadhaar has been launched by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that enables one to carry the unique identification profile on one's mobile. The app is currently available on the Android platform. However, the UIDAI has said that the app is in beta mode and users might encounter bugs and issues.
Features
Download mAadhaar from Google Play Store
The app allows users to lock/unlock their biometric data that's linked to Aadhaar to secure their personal data. Users can also view and share updated Aadhaar profile via QR code and share eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) details with service providers such as telecommunications companies. mAadhaar also has a time-based one-time password feature that can be used instead of SMS-based OTP.
Information
Complaints registered by mAadhaar users
Most services rendered by the app are functional but it did hang and throw up errors at times. Many users posted reviews on the Play Store complaining about encountering bugs. They also raised issues about the OTP and QR scanning functions not functioning properly.
Analysis
Will mAadhaar be helpful or harmful?
The linking of PAN card and Aadhaar already raised several security and privacy issues; now with the introduction of mAadhaar, concerns related to mass surveillance are being eyed upon. Several stakeholders in society, especially from the legal and tech fraternity have raised concerns. UIDAI has, however, maintained that the concerns are uncalled for and Aadhaar is fully safe and secure.