Aadhaar helpline: UIDAI’s backdoor entry evokes outrage nationally 

The mysterious entry of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) number in the contact lists of numerous Android has triggered massive outrage among smartphone users across the country.

The simmering anger over addition of helpline number without their knowledge or consent, prompted UIDAI to come out with a clarification that it did not force any smartphone manufacturer or telecom service provider to add a helpline number into people’s contact lists.

“UIDAI today in the wake of some media reports on default inclusion of the UIDAI’s outdated and invalid Toll-free number 1800-300-1947 in the contact list of Android phones said that UIDAI has not asked or communicated to any manufacturer or service provider for providing any such facility whatsoever,” read UIDAI statement, asserting that the said 18003001947 is not a valid UIDAI Toll-free number and some vested interest are trying to create unwarranted confusion in the public.

“UIDAI’s valid Toll-free number is 1947 which is functional for more than the last two years. UIDAI has reiterated that it has not asked or advised anyone including any telecom service providers or mobile manufacturers or Android to include 18003001947 or 1947 in the default list of public service numbers.”

Pertinently, a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra while hearing a bunch of petitions against the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, had reserved judgement on the legality of the all-pervasive, mandatory nature of the unique identity scheme for the citizens in May.

Several netizens users raised their concerns on Twitter. Elliot Alderson, who identifies himself as a French security expert, pointed out that Google had added it to everyone’s contact list and that it was there in their latest Setup Wizard too.

Google, meanwhile, accepted that it had in 2014 “inadvertently” coded the 112 distress number and the UIDAI number into its setup wizard for Android. “Our internal review has revealed that in 2014, the then UIDAI helpline number and the 112 distress helpline number were inadvertently coded into the SetUp wizard of the Android release given to OEMs for use in India and has remained there since. Since the numbers get listed on a user’s contact list these get transferred accordingly to the contacts on any new device,” a statement from Google said.

But many users have also been complaining the default entry of UIDIA email in Google Contacts even though no mail had allegedly ever been sent to help@uidai.gov.in. This email ID has been synced in April 2014, according to Google’s statement.

“Google’s explanation just does not wash. How did a 2014 update manifest itself in 2018 after 4 years ? How come no one discovered an unauthorised addition into their phones for such a long time?” wondered Congress leader Manish Tiwari, asking, “Was google upto mischief using UIDAI as a cats paw ?”

“Before jumping to a false conclusion, ask to yourself: Why @Google did that? They didn’t wake up one day and said: let’s add @UIDAI phone to the Indian phones for fun,” wrote Elliot Alderson, who identifies himself as a 'French security expert' on Twitter. The ‘security expert’ hogged headlines has recently after hitting out at flaws of the Unique Identification System of the country.

The concerns raised by smart phone users gain significance after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chairman RS Sharma’s alleged personal details were leaked on Twitter on Saturday by ‘Elliot Anderson’ in a series of tweets, causing ripples in the social media.

Earlier, Sharma had tweeted his 12-digit Aadhaar number and threw a challenge, asking if it had made him vulnerable to any security risk.