Cool Title, but what’s the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led cabinet has finally given the nod to introduce amendments to the Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, for making Aadhaar voluntary for mobiles and bank accounts.
Okay, but what does it mean?
In September, the Supreme Court had imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar, by private companies. And the latest move is in line with the ruling. The Supreme Court had earlier struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act that had allowed sharing of data with private entities for verification.
With the latest changes, it’ll be optional on the part of consumers if they want to use their Aadhaar for opening accounts or getting new mobile connections.
Why should I care?
With Aadhaar, privacy is one issue that has floated around a lot. And for all the right reasons. But with the new amendments in place now, you, as a customer, will be able to decide if you want to share your Aadhaar details, for the aforementioned purposes.
Keeping your Aadhaar details private and safe will now fall under the ambit of the company, with whom you choose to share your details. And if you feel that a certain company is not in a position to give you the required privacy standards, you can simply choose not to share your details with it.
Source: Economic Times
