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Updated August 3rd, 2018 at 20:15 IST

Did UIDAI add its helpline to all Android phone without the knowledge of users?

Numerous Android users took to Twitter after a UIDAI was mysteriously added in their contact list

Reported by: Anirudh Sunilkumar
| Image:self
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Numerous Android smartphone users took to Twitter their concerns regarding the mysterious addition of UIDAI helpline that happened without their knowledge or consent. 

Elliot Alderson who identifies himself as a 'French security expert' on Twitter has been in the news for hitting out at flaws of the Unique Identification System of the country. In his tweet on Friday, Alderson demanded the authority's response about the uninformed inclusion of their helpline on all the Android phones.

After a mass outrage on Twitter, UIDAI on the same day raised its hands after issuing an official statement which stated that the mysterious inclusion was not its act and that some 'vested interest' had deliberately added the number in people's contacts. 

In its statement, UIDAI also said that the number that people have claimed to be saved to their contacts is not a valid UIDAI helpline which remains as 1947. 

READ | UIDAI Says 'Don't Disclose Your Aadhaar On Social Media'


Here's the full statement issued by the UIDAI: 

New Delhi: Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) today in the wake of some media reports on default inclusion of the UIDAI’s outdated and invalid Toll-free number 1800-300-1947 in the contact list of Android phones said that UIDAI has not asked or communicated to any manufacturer or service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.
UIDAI emphasized 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.


This news comes a few days after the authority had issued a statement regarding TRAI chief RS Sharma who had disclosed his Aadhar number on social media for a challenge. Alderson had then put out all the valid information about Sharma including his phone number, email ID, and PAN. 

As per the statement issued by the UIDAI only Android phones were reportedly affected. However, several reports suggest that selective models with the iOS platform were included too. 

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Published August 3rd, 2018 at 19:17 IST

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