On Twitter, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), or Aadhaar as it is more commonly known, put out a tweet telling Indians to “exercise normal prudence in using and sharing their Aadhaar numbers”. It came after the Bengaluru Regional Office of UIDAI issued a press release, in the context of an attempt to misuse a photoshopped Aadhaar Card. The press release stated, “Do not share a photocopy of your Aadhaar with any organisation because it can be misused”. 

Their word of caution is among several other safety guidelines in the last few years since the card was first introduced as a necessary official document in India. The UIDAI has gone back and forth with their views about the details in the document being available publicly and have been criticised for it too. The latest tweet is no different as it also drew flak from a lot of people who pointed out that it would be difficult to avoid it now as details have been shared with so many people over the years.