Personal data protection: Your identity in India is no longer limited to wallet or card. She is spread over server, apps, telecom networks and government dashboards. Mobile number, Aadhaar and PAN cards have now become the three most important pillars in your digital life. Whether you take a new SIM card, open a bank account, or do KYC online, this is used at every step.
But the easier it brings, the more silent danger. Every time you enter OTP or allow E-KYC, your data undergoes many layers. Something safe, nothing. And the truth is that most people do not even know where their information is going, how it is being used, or who is taking advantage of it.
Aadhaar and Mobile Number: Identification or compulsion?
Officially use of Aadhaar is not mandatory for private services. Such as SIM card or bank account. In 2017, the Supreme Court also described Aadhaar as unconstitutional to hold Aadhaar as necessary for mobile connections. Despite this, even today many telecom companies and apps force users for Aadhaar linking. Either by ‘you cannot move forward’, such as popup, or by pressing on the name of consent.
PAN data secretly used
The PAN card which was once only for tax and financial purposes, has now become an all-in-one tool of digital identity. Many fintech and aggregator platforms take out the full profile of the user through PAN data- even the address, mobile number, transaction history. That too without the clear consent of the user.
After some media reports surfaced in 2024, the government accepted it and promised better access control. But even now many startups are accessing PAN data through third party API, and users do not even know about it.
DPDP Act: What will change, what not
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) applied in 2023 tries to cure this imbalance. There are some special provisions under this:
- An accurate, time -bound and clear consent must be obtained before using any personal data.
- If you want, the users can demand delete their data, improve it or withdraw consent.
- Companies also have to explain why the data is being taken, where the store will be, and how long will it be kept.
- If the law is violated, then a fine of up to ₹ 250 crore can be imposed.
Of course this law gives users the right to control their data. However, this law is also not perfectly perfect. It also has many loophole or flaws.
- The government has received many exemptions through words like ‘National Interest’, which are quite widespread and unclear.
- Users often click ‘I Agree’ without reading long conditions. This is a classic example of Consent Fatigue.
- Aadhaar Law (Aadhaar Act, 2016) still does not match the DPDP, causing the difference in data security.
Why should you worry?
- Your profiles can be done without your knowledge through Aadhaar-Pain-Mobile Link.
- Spam calls with loans and insurance are actually a sign of the fearless use of your data.
- Aadhaar has been leaked, even biometric data was exposed to government portals.
- Fake credit reports, identity theft and targeted advertisements are made using PAN.
- Your privacy options are decreasing, while data economy is earning profits on your identity.
What can you do?
- Use Virtual ID (VID), so that the real Aadhaar number does not have to be shared.
- Avoid sharing information in services whose privacy policy is unclear.
- Only give PAN to RBI-licensed or SEBI-regulated institutions.
- Ask under DPDP: Why your data is taken, how much is kept, and how long will it last.
- At the commencement of the data protection board, please report any violation.
Aadhaar -Pan – Mobile Ecosystem was designed for convenience, but today it has become a gold mine for data brokers, unprotected apps and private companies. The DPDP law has made a necessary beginning, but the real effect will be when users are aware, companies behave responsibly and the government should implement concrete.
Until this happens, the responsibility of protecting your digital existence will have to be taken by itself. Because now your identity is not just your name, but your data has been made.
Also read: Sim Swap SCAM: What is SIM Swap Scam, which makes the government alert? Know the easy way to avoid
