Insta
No, The Government Did Not Hack Into Your Phone To Save UIDAI’s Number
Aadhaar cards
A series of tweets highlighted that Indian users of Android phones had a toll-free number 1800-300-1947 saved by default on their phones. The number, labeled as UIDAI was the former helpline for the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
The matter came to light when alleged French cyber-security expert Elliot Anderson brought it up on Twitter.
The UIDAI refuted claims that it had asked anyone to pre-load the number on phones.
It emerged later, that it was California-based tech giant Google that had precoded the number onto Android phones, back in 2014.
Google clarified that this wasn’t a case of unathorised access to phones. Several Twitter users had used this incident to accuse the government of surveillance.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
