After outrage over reports about the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) toll-free helpline number appearing in people’s phonebooks by default, the UIDAI on Friday issued a clarification saying that it didn’t ask any manufacturer or service provider for providing any such facility.

It added that the number, which has been automatically added to the contact list of thousands of users, is not even a valid number. Many people on Friday found their phonebook updated with UIDAI helpline number — 1800-300-1947, while the number -1947 – is the one which is functional.

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#PressStatement In the wake of some media reports on default inclusion of UIDAI’s outdated & invalid Toll free no. 1800-300-1947 in contact list of Android phones… 1/n

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— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018

“UIDAI has not asked or communicated to any manufacturer or service provider for providing any such facility whatsoever,” said UIDAI in a series of tweets.

… It is clarified that, UIDAI has not asked or communicated to any manufacturer or service provider for providing any such facility whatsoever. 2/n

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018

It is emphasised that the said 18003001947 is not a valid UIDAI Toll free number and some vested interest are trying to create unwarranted confusion in the public. 3/n

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018

Our valid Toll free number is 1947 which is functional for more than the last two years. 4/5

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018

“UIDAI has reiterated that it has not asked or advised anyone including any telecom service providers or mobile manufacturers or Android to include  18003001947 or 1947 in the default list of public service numbers,” it added.

UIDAI has reiterated that it has not asked or advised anyone including any telecom service providers or mobile manufacturers or Android to include 18003001947 or 1947 in the default list of public service numbers.
#### 5/5

— Aadhaar (@UIDAI) August 3, 2018

Earlier, there were reports that thousands of smartphone users in India were left puzzled when they found UIDAI toll-free helpline number saved in their phonebooks by default.

There had been no earlier message seeking permission regarding the same, but the number automatically appeared in the contact list.

Several Twitter users took to micro-blogging site and questioned the step taken by the UIDAI, once again flagging the security concerns.

Also Read | Akhilesh Yadav expresses concern over UIDAI number insertion

“This is no joke as it is on my phone too. I didn’t save this number. Check your phone asap, feeling worried,” a user tweeted with a screenshot.

A French security expert, Elliot Alderson, asked UIDAI on Twitter: “Many people, with different providers, with and without an #Aadhaar card, with and without the mAadhaar app installed, noticed that your phone number is predefined in their contact list by default without their knowledge. Can you explain why?”

Another Twitter user added, “The AADHAR helpline number mysteriously creeps up in my contacts today! As far as I can remember I didn’t save nor give anyone any sort of consent regarding this. Then how did this come up?! This is indeed shocking and well scary… Aren’t we liable for privacy?”