The Justice BN Srikrishna committee has stated that regulations suggested in the draft data protection bill will require the government to make changes to the Aadhaar Act.
The UIDAI or Unique Identification Authority of India, is the nodal agency that manages the Aadhaar biometric identification system. (AFP File Photo)
The report said it would not comment on the merits of an ongoing case in the Supreme Court related to Aadhaar’s implementation. “However, it is salient that the data protection regime proposed by the committee will require close introspection by the government on various aspects pertaining to the existing functioning of the UIDAI,” the report said.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
The UIDAI or Unique Identification Authority of India, is the nodal agency that manages the Aadhaar biometric identification system.
The committee has recommended two changes to the Aadhaar Act. The report states “amendments have been suggested that classify requesting entities into two kinds to regulate access to personal data on the basis of necessity — those who can request for authentication and those who are limited to verifying the identity of individuals offline.” In other words, the committee wants better safeguarding of Aadhaar data.
Secondly, the committee has said amendments are required to ensure the “autonomy of the UIDAI”.
This requires two conceptual changes, it said, to the way in which the Act currently conceives the UIDAI. “…first, the UIDAI must be autonomous in its decision-making, functioning independently of the user agencies, in the government and outside it, that make use of Aadhaar”.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Secondly, the committee said the UIDAI must be equipped with “powers akin to a traditional regulator for enforcement actions”.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Secondly, the committee said the UIDAI must be equipped with “powers akin to a traditional regulator for enforcement actions”.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
