North India Statesman
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New Delhi: Aadhaar card has become an important part of our identity in today’s digital world. From telecom operators to payment apps, it is used for EKYC (Electronic No Your Customer) almost everywhere. But have you ever thought that what will happen if your Aadhaar falls in the wrong hands? There may be a matter of concern for you, but UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has suggested many measures to protect your privacy. Let us know what steps you can take to protect your Aadhaar and delink it from various services and apps.
1. Check Authentication History of UIDAI
To know where your base is used, go to uidai.gov.in.
Log in from your Aadhaar number and OTP (One-Time Password).
Click on Aadhaar Authentication History section.
Here you will see the record of every use of your base. Identify services or apps that you do not recognize or use it anymore.
This step will help you understand where your base is being used and is there any unauthorized (unauthorized).
2. DELINK Aadhaar D-Link from telecom operators
Since 2018, it is illegal for telecom companies to compulsory Aadhaar for KYC (Know Your Customer).
Go to the nearest store of your mobile operator.
Take your PAN card or Voter ID with.
Request them to remove Aadhaar from their records. According to the instructions of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), they are legally bound to follow it.
This ensures that your SIM card service remains different from your Aadhaar, which reduces the chances of fraud.
3. Clean Aadhaar from Payment & Wallet Apps
Apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Mobikwik often store your base for EKYC.
Go to the settings of the app.
Open KYC or Personal Information section.
Find the option of ‘Remove or Change Aadhaar) there.
If this is not an option in the app, then formally request de-linking by writing an email or letter to their customer care team.
We often share our personal information with many apps while making digital payments. It is important for protection to clean them regularly.
4. Use Alternative IDS instead of Aadhaar
After removing the base, the apps can be asked for re-verification.
You can use your passport, driving license, or voter ID.
Some apps may also be required to complete a selfie or a short video to complete verification – do it quickly to avoid disruption.
By separating your base from different services, you reduce the risk of potentially hacked or misuse at any one point.
5. Report if you are not able to de-link
If you have problems in de-linking your Aadhaar from an app or service:
First, contact the Grievance Redressal Team of that service.
If your complaint is not resolved, contact UIDAI directly through UIDAI’s official complaint portal.
For telecom-related problems, complain to TRAI, as they monitor these services.
If none of these steps work, consider taking legal assistance.
6. Use Masked Aadhaar or Virtual ID!
Do you have to share your base but are afraid of misuse?
Use the masked base (in which only the last 4 digits appear).
Or use VID (Virtual ID) – this is a temporary 16 -design code.
Both have valid QR codes and signatures, which make them safe and legally valid in most cases.
This is an excellent way to protect your privacy, especially when you do not want to share your entire base as a proof of identity.
7. Do not verify Aadhaar for every app
From further, unless absolutely necessary, do not use the base for verification. Most services accept alternaate IDS. Less use of the base means that the possibility of its misuse also decreases.
8. Repeat every 6 months: Czech and Repit Rule
Digital footprints develop rapidly. Set a reminder to re -examine the authentication history of UIDAI every 6 months. Regular check -up helps you to identify new links and prevent the misuse before it starts.
Protecting the base and controlling its use is an important part of your digital security. By adopting these measures, you can protect your personal data and avoid possible fraud.
