IT ministry cautions Flipkart, Amazon against collecting buyer's Aadhaar details

It also claimed entities were fleecing unsuspecting people by charging up to Rs 200 to get their Aadhaar cards printed.

The IT Ministry on Monday directed e-commerce firms, including Amazon, Flipkart and Ebay to maintain privacy of buyers on their marketplaces by telling merchants not to collect Aadhaar information.

Collection of Aadhaar information is a breach of privacy of individuals, and is punishable by law under the Aadhaar Act.

The ministry did not, however, outline how this information could be misused or if it could give rise to any security risks.

"Collecting such information or unauthorized printing of Aadhaar card or aiding such persons in any manner may amount to a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment under Indian Penal Code," statement issued by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology read. 

The statement also claimed that entities were fleecing unsuspecting people by charging up to Rs 200 to get their Aadhaar cards printed.

It also advised the public not to share their Aadhaar information with unauthorised persons as it was a breach of their privacy.

Flipkart and Amazon did not respond to queries about the same.

It is perfectly valid for a copy of a person's Aadhaar card printed on plain paper, even in black and white.

There is absolutely no need for anyone to get their card printed, laminated and there's no concept of a smart card for Aadhaar, Dr. Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Director General & Mission Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India, said.

The ministry added that in case someone did wanted to get a printed copy of their Aadhaar card, they should do so at Common Service Centres or Aadhaar Permanent Enrolment Centres at a cost of Rs 30.