Facebook starts testing Aadhaar prompts for new users [Update]


Facebook

Update: Facebook has officially posted an update on its site saying that the new Aadhaar prompt was a test among small number of users and the test is complete. It also said that it has just added additional language on the account sign-up page to explain that using their Aadhaar name will help family and friends recognize them and said that it is not collecting Aadhaar data and do not require people to enter their Aadhaar name when they sign up to Facebook.

Earlier: Post the reports over the past few days about Facebook prompting Aadhaar authentication for new users over Reddit; the social media giant has now confirmed to have started testing the feature on its platform. However, the company is asking details from limited users as a part of a small test; not everyone will be prompted.

The screenshot posted by a user on Reddit shows the company asking to enter the first and last name as it appears on one’s Aadhaar card. Though it is prompting users to enter the details as per Aadhaar, the company is not forcing.

On the bright side, Facebook, for now, is just asking the name to be entered as Aadhaar, not any other details eliminating the need to worry about privacy concerns, it needs to be seen how Facebook intends to move forward from here.

Facebook spokesperson in a statement has said:

We want to make sure people can use the names they’re known by on Facebook, and can easily connect with friends and family. This is a small test where we provide additional language when people sign up for an account to say that using the name on their Aadhaar card makes it easier for friends to recognize them. This is an optional prompt which we are testing, people are not required to enter the name on their Aadhaar card.

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