Unique ID Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up this year to issue smart card UIDs, develop an online database with identity and biometric details of resident Indians and provide enrollment and verification services.
This ambitious project is expected to be very helpful in curbing illegal migrations and reinforcing law and order. UIDs are also seen to be useful in implementing a quota system for public distribution, defining social welfare entitlements, improving overall efficiency of the administration, improving financial inclusion and the list goes on...
Why not? Once every individual in the country is assigned a unique ID and a database is compiled, it could be used for running several schemes. But any linking of UIDs with other databases may heighten the risk of unauthorised access and commercial exploitation of the information.
Given that our data protection laws are not so well established, trading, selling and sharing of personal information are distinct possibilities and meaning of privacy per se may get redefined in the UID era. On a lighter note, call to Ask-me type of helpline may proceed like this.
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