40% Indians Share Data With the World via Smartphones: CAG

Fingerprints and biometric data of 40 per cent Indians have already been captured, Mehrishi reportedly said.

Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo: Reuters)

If you own a smartphone, it is likely that your data is being accessed by the entire world including the CIA, according to the newly appointed Comptroller and Auditor General Rajiv Mehrishi.

When asked about the dangers of linking Aadhaar to other schemes, the then Home Secretary said last month that data of over 40% of Indians who use smartphones is available to the world – with or without their knowledge – including the American investigation agency CIA.

He is reportedly to have said this to a Standing Committee chaired by P Chidambaram, according to the Indian Express.

Sources told the daily that Mehrishi quoted an American report, citing that biometric data has also been captured through smartphones. When asked if this would increase to 100 per cent should all of India own a smartphone, Mehrishi confirmed the same.

He further said that the usage of smartphones enables tracking of movement, which in turn helps those planning drone attacks.

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