'Mere knowledge of Aadhaar no. cannot increase one's digital vulnerabilities', says TRAI chairman RS Sharma

Days after TRAI Chairman open dared Twitterati on Aadhaar misuse by sharing his 12-digit Aadhar number on social media, RS Sharma has asserted that mere knowledge of Aadhaar number cannot increase one's 'digital vulnerabilities'. 

Breaking his silence over the issue, Sharma said,"I have always maintained that disclosure, knowledge or sharing of the biometric ID number does not increase digital vulnerabilities." 

He also added that the intention behind disclosure of his 12-digit number was never to abet others to publish or disclose their Aadhaar numbers. TRAI Chairman RS Sharma, who retires on August 9, was speaking at a conference where telecom regulator TRAI announced two of its mobile apps.

1. Do not disturb app: It will reports pesky call  
2. MyCall app: It will measure call quality 

Both of these applications will be available on UMANG platform.

Read: Trai Chairman's Personal Details Leak Moments After He Shares His Aadhaar no. And Throws a Challenge

Earlier, after TRAI Chairman RS Sharma posted his 12-digit Aadhar number on social media to challenge anyone who could do any harm to him, UIDAI issued a statement asking the public to refrain from indulging in such activities. 

In its release, UIDAI stated that disclosing your personal identification publicly on social media is uncalled for and not in accordance with the law. "As per the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and IT (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 and Justice Srikrishna’s proposed Data Protection Bill, personally sensitive information should not be published or shared publicly." the statement stated.

UIDAI posted the press release on its Twitter page on Tuesday after Elliot Alderson, who describes himself as a 'french security expert' on Twitter, had earlier exposed Sharma's personal details including his phone number, email ID, and PAN. 

Read: TRAI chairman R S Sharma triggers Debate Over Data Breach After He Disclosed His Aadhaar number On Twitter