UIDAI opens up non-personal Aadhaar data for public good

In a move aimed at promoting data-driven research, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced the sharing of its non-personal Aadhaar dashboard data with the public.

This initiative, as stated by the UIDAI, leverages open data for the benefit of the public.

The dashboard provides insights into Aadhaar usage and adoption across the country, while strictly adhering to privacy safeguards by excluding any personal identification information, a statement said.

Researchers, policymakers, and the general public can now access aggregated data on various aspects of Aadhaar, potentially unlocking new avenues for analysis and a deeper understanding of its impact.

"By making this non-personal data available, we aim to empower researchers and contribute to a more data-literate ecosystem in India," said a UIDAI official.

The data shared through the dashboard could be helpful in various fields, including: policy research (enabling researchers to study the socio-economic impact of Aadhaar and inform future policy interventions), governance studies (providing insights into the reach and penetration of Aadhaar in different regions and demographic groups), and technological innovation (offering a broad overview of Aadhaar usage patterns that could spur innovation in related technological solutions).