Data breach? Jet Airways prints Aadhaar info on boarding pass, says it's optional

We recently saw how the Indian government is looking to push its ambitious Digital India initiative by making a completely paperless air travel possible, hopefully in the near future. Biometric authentication over flashing ID cards is suggested and among the long list of pointers is the ability to optionally link Aadhaar to airlines.

Now, a Jet Airways passenger has tweeted a photo of his boarding pass that has his Aadhaar details printed on it. Take a look at the tweet below:

Here's the @jetairways boarding card with my #Aadhar on it (bar code blacked out) - I was forced to enter it during mobile check-in last eve pic.twitter.com/dK3AfEL5LK

— Suvodeep Das (@Suvodeep) September 28, 2017

In response, Jet Airways has clarified that keying in Aadhaar card number for mobile or web check-in is optional.

Suvodeep, we've checked this. Pls note that Aadhaar card no. is optional irrespective of Web or Mobile check-in.

— Jet Airways (@jetairways) September 28, 2017

However, it has irked many users who are asking why print it on the boarding pass. A boarding pass isn't a document that we preserve and is often  strewn around. Moreover, does this mean the airlines can save the number? Moreover, the Aadhaar Act clearly states that no Aadhaar or biometric info can be collected, published or displayed publicly, except when regulations demand it. Doesn't printing it on boarding pass clearly violate the Aadhaar Act, asks one twitter user. Here's how Twitterati reacted. 

@ceo_uidai and @UIDAI. @jetairways is violating Aadhaar act. What action would you take on them? pic.twitter.com/zPleTL6u4d

— #IAmGowri (@iam_anandv) September 28, 2017

Dear @jetairways , But why are you printing Aadhaar number on boarding pass? What's the point? What is the value addition? Isn't it illegal? https://t.co/f2nrzd1JBi

— Pradeepto B. (@pradeepto) September 28, 2017

Even if it's optional, why is Jet Airways asking for the Aadhaar number? @Moneylifers @sunil_abraham pic.twitter.com/Qqsck213qf

— Sushil K (@SKisContent) February 1, 2017

is no other id allowed? What if you pretend you don't have an aadhaar card?

— 🌼🐝🌼Nups🌻🐞🌻 (@architypes12) September 28, 2017

Meanwhile, it is known that airlines and airport authorities are working at a paperless travel, and would allow travel by simply linking biometrics or Aadhaar. However, owing to privacy becoming a fundamental right, a bench of panel are yet to decide the fate of how Aadhaar and privacy can walk hand in hand.