UIDAI to telcos: Inform users if their SIMs are linked to Aadhaar

The The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has directed all telecom operators to enable a facility that will allow subscribers to check the mobile SIMs, which are linked to their Aadhaar number, in a step to guard against any unauthorised linking.

The decision was taken after the UIDAI came to know about some retailers and agents of telecom companies allegedly misusing Aadhaar authentication facility to issue new SIMs or to re-verify mobile numbers other than that of the Aadhaar holder.

The UIDAI has instructed telcos to ensure that their retailers or agents do not indulge in fraudulent activities related to unauthorised authentication transactions. It also asked the operators to have sufficient supervision to avoid any unauthorised authentication transactions.

Ajay Bhushan Pandey, chief executive officer, UIDAI said, “In order for the people to know which mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, all telecom operators have been asked to provide this service to their customers by March 15.”

The telcos have been asked to provide mechanism, including SMS-based facility for subscribers to check whether their mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and also to get notified about other mobile numbers issued or verified against their Aadhaar number.