Government Blocks Websites Exposing Sensitive Data

New Delhi- The government has blocked websites that were exposing sensitive personal information of citizens including Aadhaar and PAN card details. According to a statement issued by the government on Thursday, the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has received a complaint from the UIDAI regarding the violation of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.

It has been observed that some websites were showing sensitive personal information including Aadhaar and PAN card details of Indian citizens. The government has taken this into serious consideration as it accords highest priority to safe cyber security practices and protection of personal data.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the government said, "The analysis of these websites by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has shown some security flaws in these websites. The concerned websites owners have been provided guidance about the actions to be taken at their end for hardening the ICT infrastructures and fixing the vulnerabilities."

The government has also notified the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011. According to these rules, the non-publication and non-disclosure of sensitive personal data is not allowed.

IT Secretaries of the States are empowered as Adjudicating Officers under the IT Act. The government has also created a national awareness campaign in this regard.