New Delhi: The government has blocked some websites that exposed sensitive personal information of Indian citizens, including Aadhaar and PAN card details. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, had found security flaws in these websites. After this the government blocked these websites.

Cybersecurity and protection of personal data

A statement issued on Thursday said- It has come to the notice of the Ministry that some websites were exposing sensitive personal information including Aadhaar and PAN card details of Indian citizens. This matter has been taken seriously, as the government gives top priority to cyber security and protection of personal data. Accordingly, prompt action has been taken to block these websites.

Security lapses exposed, complaint lodged

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has lodged a complaint with the concerned police authorities for violating the ban on public display of Aadhaar-related details under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. The statement said that CERT-In has exposed some security flaws in these websites. The concerned website owners have been provided guidance to fix the flaws.

Demand for compensation

Disclosure of sensitive personal information is prohibited under the Information Technology Act, 2011. Any adversely affected party can approach the adjudicating officer to lodge a complaint and seek compensation. IT secretaries of states have been empowered as adjudicating officers.