The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, expressed apprehension over the collection of data under Aadhaar and that it could be used to rig elections.

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"These are absolutely real apprehensions. Including using personal information to rig elections. Aadhaar does not exist in an isolated world," Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the five judges on the Constitution Bench, observed on Tuesday.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the UIDAI, said that the Cambridge Analytica's data breach could not be used as an argument to strike down the scheme since Aadhaar was merely a matching tool. It did not have learning algorithms unlike other social media platforms such as Google and Facebook that could help analyse data to influence polls.

UIDAI added that the Act relates to consent and Aadhaar was strictly confined to the authentication process. The requesting entity shall ensure that the information of an individual shall be used for the central repository. The information is strictly confined for the purposes of authentication process only.

It added that the Act does not permit sharing of core details such as DNA or biometrics. Expressing concerns over leaks or misuse, Justice AK Sikri asked, "How can you ensure that requesting entities don't misuse the data?" To this, Dwivedi replied, "We can ensure that requesting entities comply with the contract in pursuance of the law."

UIDAI Says

  • Aadhaar can’t be used to rig polls as it lacks learning algorithms
  • The information collected under Aadhaar is strictly for authentication