Earlier on Thursday, many people questioned UIDAI on social media after they noticed that the UIDAI’s helpline number was saved in their phone contact list by default.
After reports of default UIDAI’s invalid toll-free number in the contact list of many Android phones, users asked questions to UIDAI on social media, the Aadhaar body on Friday said that they have not asked any Telecom service provider or phone manufacturers for providing any such facility.
UIDAI in a press statement said
#PressStatement In the wake of some media reports on default inclusion of UIDAI’s outdated & invalid Toll free no. 1800-300-1947 in contact list of Android phones… 1/n
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018
… It is clarified that, UIDAI has not asked or communicated to any manufacturer or service provider for providing any such facility whatsoever. 2/n
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018
It is emphasised 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. 3/n
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018
Our valid Toll free number is 1947 which is functional for more than the last two years. 4/5
— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018
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.
#### 5/5— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018
People came to know about this news after French security expert, Elliot Alderson, asked UIDAI about how a person with or without an Aadhar card and without the mAadhaar app installed got the fake toll free number.
Taking to people on Twitter, Alderson said:
Hi @UIDAI,
Many people, with different provider, with and without an #Aadhaar card, with and without the mAadhaar app installed, noticed that your phone number is predefined in their contact list by default and so without their knowledge. Can you explain why?
Regards,
— Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) August 2, 2018