Secure Citizens' Data Remains Imperative
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to strengthen the election process by considering linking elector photo identity cards (Epic) to Aadhaar numbers of all voters. This decision, part of the ECI's efforts to make the election process more secure, comes as both the voters' list and the Aadhaar system face allegations of manipulation.
The Aadhaar system, despite being considered for linking with voter identity cards, lacks comprehensive legislation addressing issues such as data privacy. The system's data compromises, as seen in instances like the Andhra Pradesh breach, raise questions about its ability to serve as a reliable point of reference for a citizen's identity.
To address these concerns, the ECI can adopt a multi-pronged approach that balances accuracy improvement, privacy safeguards, and inclusivity.
Firstly, cross-verification of databases is crucial. Linking Aadhaar, Ration Cards, and Voter IDs helps identify and eliminate duplicate, bogus, or deceased voters, improving electoral roll accuracy. This can strengthen transparency and integrity by ensuring each eligible voter is registered only once.
Secondly, expanding the list of voter identity documents accepted beyond Aadhaar and EPIC is essential. This reduces disenfranchisement risks for those without Aadhaar. The Supreme Court has recommended this approach, and the ECI should follow suit to provide voters with multiple options.
Thirdly, addressing data privacy and security is paramount. Robust technical infrastructure and legal frameworks are essential to safeguard sensitive personal data from misuse or breaches. This involves strict data protection protocols and transparency in data use.
Fourthly, preventing exclusion of marginalized groups is vital. The ECI must ensure that linking does not disenfranchise vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled, migrants, or those without Aadhaar. This includes avoiding mandatory Aadhaar linking without proper safeguards.
Fifthly, legal and ethical clarity is necessary. Thorough examination of the legality of linking Aadhaar and electoral rolls is crucial to align with citizens’ rights to privacy and voting.
Lastly, the ECI should focus Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises on inclusion rather than mass exclusion, ensuring en masse additions of eligible voters and minimizing wrongful deletions.
By combining accurate data integration, diverse proof of identity options, strong privacy safeguards, and targeted inclusion strategies, the ECI can use Aadhaar linkage to enhance electoral integrity while addressing the system's flaws and avoiding disenfranchisement.
The EC must prioritize creating better systems to ensure the transparency of the electoral process. Any tools used in this exercise should meet transparency standards, as allegations of foul play in the voters' list, as seen in the Maharashtra legislative assembly polls, highlight the need for transparency.
The Union government has an opportunity to address the shortcomings in the Aadhaar project as it considers linking it with the voters' list. By doing so, it can not only strengthen the election process but also restore public trust in the Aadhaar system. The ECI's actions should prioritize transparency to maintain this trust.
- In light of the ECI's intentions to link EPICs with Aadhaar numbers, it is essential to implement comprehensive legislation that addresses data privacy concerns in the Aadhaar system.
- Beyond Aadhaar and EPIC, accepting a variety of voter identity documents can help reduce disenfranchisement risks, as advocated by the Supreme Court.
- Ensuring strong data protection and privacy safeguards, along with transparency in data use, is vital to prevent data misuse or breaches when linking Aadhaar with electoral rolls.
