What are the concerns regarding the usage of Aadhaar in welfare schemes

The concerns of using Aadhaar in welfare schemes | Explained
Using Aadhaar in welfare schemes has raised several concerns.
  • Privacy: One concern is the potential violation of privacy, as Aadhaar collects biometric and demographic information of individuals, raising concerns about data security and misuse.
  • Exclusion: Critics argue that Aadhaar may lead to exclusion of eligible beneficiaries. Technical glitches, lack of infrastructure, and authentication failures can deny access to services for those who need them the most.
  • Identity theft: As Aadhaar becomes the central identification document, there are concerns about identity theft and the misuse of Aadhaar details for illegal activities.
  • Authentication failures: Aadhaar authentication relies on biometric data, which can lead to failures in cases of elderly, disabled, or manual laborers whose fingerprints may not be correctly captured or may change over time.
  • Centralization and surveillance: Critics argue that Aadhaar creates a centralized database that facilitates mass surveillance by the government and opens possibilities for misuse of power.
These concerns highlight the need for addressing privacy, inclusivity, security, and authentication challenges while implementing Aadhaar in welfare schemes.
Answered a year ago
Amrita Preparing for Civil Services