New Delhi: In a proactive move, the government has taken action against some websites that were exposing sensitive personal identifiable information (PII), including Aadhaar and PAN card details of Indian citizens, thereby ensuring the security of personal data.
The IT Ministry was alerted to the grave issue of some portals exposing people’s sensitive data. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) lodged a complaint with the police authorities concerned for violating the prohibition under section 29(4) of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, on the public display of Aadhaar information.
According to MeitY, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has thoroughly analysed these websites and identified some security flaws, which the government is actively addressing.
The concerned website owners were provided with guidance about the actions they should take to improve the ICT infrastructures and fix the vulnerabilities.
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The Indian cyber agency has issued guidelines for all entities using IT applications.
CERT-In has also given directions under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) relating to information security practices, procedures, prevention, response, and reporting of cyber incidents.
The IT Act provides for non-publication and non-disclosure of sensitive personal data.
Any adversely affected party can approach the Adjudicating Officer under section 46 of the IT Act to file a complaint and seek compensation. The IT Secretaries of the States, who are empowered as Adjudicating Officers under the IT Act, play a crucial role in this process. They are responsible for adjudicating on complaints and imposing penalties on entities found guilty of data protection violations, as per the ministry.
“Further, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 has already been enacted, and the Rules under this Act are in the advanced stage of drafting,” it added.
A programme has also been initiated that will help create nationwide awareness and understanding among diverse stakeholders about responsible use and proactive measures that will curb unnecessary exposure of personal data by various entities.
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–IANS
