In a bid to enhance security and prevent Aadhaar-linked fraud, the Maharashtra state property registration department has initiated a significant step. The department has begun masking fingerprints and Aadhaar numbers on scanned copies of new sale deeds and rental agreements before uploading them to government websites. This move follows advice from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and aims to safeguard sensitive information during property registration processes.
Enhancing Security Measures
Property transactions often require biometric fingerprints and Aadhaar card details for various purposes, including property registration, deed title transfers, and gift deed preparations. To counter potential Aadhaar-related fraud, the property registration department has started masking these critical details. While this directive applies to all new documents, a decision regarding previously uploaded data remains pending.
According to Abhishek Deshmukh, Deputy Inspector General (IT), the department initiated this process three months ago due to rising concerns about fraudsters collecting fingerprints and Aadhaar numbers from government websites. Scanned copies of documents such as sale deeds and leave and license agreements are typically available for free viewing and can be downloaded for a nominal fee of Rs 300. To protect this sensitive information, the department has begun masking thumb impressions and Aadhaar data on new documents.
Over the past three months, the fingerprints and Aadhaar numbers of more than 8 lakh documents have undergone masking. In new registration data, only a thumb-verified message and a masked Aadhaar number are visible, while the thumb impression is stored in the department’s database without being displayed on documents.
Addressing Aadhaar-Linked Fraud Concerns
A significant number of complaints regarding Aadhaar-related frauds have highlighted the importance of this security measure. Cybercriminals have been obtaining sensitive details from property documents and subsequently using them for illicit activities, including unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts.
The Maharashtra property registration department’s decision to mask Aadhaar numbers and fingerprints aims to combat Aadhaar-linked fraud and enhance privacy and security for citizens.
Expert Opinion on Data Masking
Cyber expert Rohit Srivastava emphasized the importance of masking Aadhaar and fingerprints, noting that these pieces of information are highly sensitive and can be exploited for identity theft and financial fraud. He recommended methods such as replacing the first 8 digits of the Aadhaar number with asterisks or hashing Aadhaar numbers and fingerprints using cryptographic algorithms. These measures make unauthorized access to or use of data significantly more challenging.
Protecting Privacy and Minimizing Vulnerability
Masking Aadhaar numbers and fingerprints will reduce the risk of personal details being accessed from property documents. With countless documents in the public domain, this security enhancement helps protect the privacy and security of countless individuals, minimizing their vulnerability to fraud and identity theft.
