Govt of India Blocks Websites Exposing Aadhaar, PAN Data

 Government of India takes action to protect Citizens' Data: Websites Exposing Aadhaar and PAN Details blocked

Govt of India Blocks Websites Exposing Aadhaar, PAN Data

भारत सरकार ने आधार, पैन डेटा को उजागर करने वाली वेबसाइटों को ब्लॉक कर दिया

IT secretaries of the State are empowered to address complaints and compensations for Data Privacy violations

The Government of India is committed to having an open, safe & trusted and accountable internet. It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that some websites were exposing sensitive personally identifiable information including Aadhaar and PAN Card details of Indian citizens. 

This has been taken seriously as the Government accords the highest priority to safe cyber security practices and personal data protection. In line with this, prompt action has been taken to block these websites.  

The police authorities concerned for violation of the prohibition under section 29(4) 

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has lodged a complaint with the police authorities concerned for violation of the prohibition under section 29(4) of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 on public display of Aadhaar information.

The analysis of these websites by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has shown some security flaws in these websites. The concerned websites owners have been provided guidance about the actions to be taken at their end for hardening the ICT infrastructures and fixing the vulnerabilities.

CERT-In has issued “Guidelines for Secure Application Design, Development, Implementation & Operations” for all entities using IT applications. CERT-In has also given directions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, (“IT Act”) relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response and reporting of cyber incidents.

Sensitive Personal Data

MeitY has notified the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, which provide for non-publication and non-disclosure of sensitive personal data. 

to fileAny adversely affected party can approach the Adjudicating Officer under section 46 of the IT Act for filing a complaint and seek compensation. The IT Secretaries of the States are empowered as Adjudicating Officers under the IT Act.

Further, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023 has already been enacted and the Rules under this Act are in the advanced stage of drafting. An awareness programme has also been initiated to sensitise the Government, the industry and the citizens about its impact. 

A Nationwide Awareness

This will help create nationwide awareness and understanding among diverse stakeholders about responsible use and proactive measures that will curb unnecessary exposure of personal data by various entities.

Tags: Government of India, Citizens' Data Protection, Aadhaar Security, PAN Details Privacy, Data Breach Prevention, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, Website Blocking Measures, Data Privacy Legislation, Personal Data Security Initiatives, IT Ministry Actions,