UIDAI has asked CIS to explain 13 crore Aadhaar numbers 'leak' claim

Aadhaar-issuing authority UIDAI has asked research firm Centre for Internet and Society to explain its sensational claim that 13 crore Aadhaar numbers were “leaked” and provide details of servers where they are stored. In a precursor to initiating a probe into the matter, the Unique Identification Authority of India also wants CIS to clarify just how much of such “sensitive data” are still with it or anyone else The UIDAI, which has vehemently denied any breach of its database, shot off a letter to CIS yesterday asking for the details, including the servers where the downloaded “sensitive data” are residing and information about usage or sharing of such data. Underscoring the importance of bringing to justice those involved in “hacking such sensitive information”, the UIDAI sought CIS’ “assistance” in this regard and has given it time till May 30 to revert on the issue. “Based on the numbers available on the websites looked at, estimated number of Aadhaar numbers leaked through these four portals could be around 130-135 million,” the report had said.