India’s biometric issue

A biometric identity scheme in India has come under close scrutiny after newspaper claims that personal data was being sold for 500 rupees (around £6) online.

A reporter for the Tribune newspaper paid for a username and password access to information including name, address, photograph, phone number and email.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is asking for an investigation after the claims, but believes the biometric data is safe. The claim is the latest of a series of issues with the UIDAI biometric system, called Aadhaar, which means foundation.

Aadhaar started out as a programme to reduce benefit fraud, but has been criticised for compulsorily links to bank accounts and mobiles.

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