SC seeks govt response on Aadhaar-social media link

New Delhi, August 20

Should social media profiles of individuals be linked to their Aadhaar numbers containing their biometric details? The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a petition filed by Facebook seeking transfer of cases on the controversial issue pending before several high courts.

A Bench, headed by Justice Deepak Gupta, issued notices to the Centre, Google, Twitter, YouTube and others, asking them to respond by September 13.

“We need to find a balance between the right to online privacy and the duty to detect people who spread panic and commit crimes online,” it said.

The Bench clarified that the proceedings pending before the Madras High Court will continue. However, it said no final order will be passed by the high court.

On behalf of Facebook and WhatsApp, senior advocates Mukul Mohatgi and Kapil Sibal said if service providers could be asked to share data with probe agencies to help them in criminal investigation needed to be decided by the SC as any judicial order will impact the two firms. — TNS