Lok Sabha passes Aadhaar Bill amid Opposition protest over privacy

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019, even though the Opposition raised concerns over privacy and the lack of adequate legal safeguards.

The proposed amendments allow, among other things, for voluntary use of the Aadhaar number as a know-your-customer (KYC) mechanism for opening bank accounts and buying SIM cards. “The amendments address the privacy and security concerns. It provides that no service or benefit of any scheme will be denied for the lack of Aadhaar,” said Prasad.

The amended Bill also provides for Rs 1 crore penalty and jail term for private entities for storing Aadhaar data. People have the choice to use either mode for verifying their identity.