Google accepts fault for putting UIDAI helpline number on phone contact list

Earlier, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) both have distanced themselves from the number (1800-300-1947) that got into people's contacts list without their consent.

NEW DELHI: After thousands of smartphone users in India woke up puzzled on Friday as an alleged 'helpline number' of UIDAI was saved in their phonebooks by default, Google accepted that they "inadvertently" loading the old UIDAI helpline number. A Google spokesperson said in a statement apoplogised and said  "Our internal review has revealed that in 2014, the then UIDAI helpline number and the 112 distress helpline number were inadvertently coded into the setup wizard of the Android release given to OEMs (Original equipment manufacturers) for use in India and has remained there since. "Since the numbers get listed on a user's contact list these get transferred accordingly to the contacts on any new device," Google promised to fix the same in future editions of its setup wizard. Earlier, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) both have distanced themselves from the number (1800-300-1947) that got into people's contacts list without their consent. Telecom operators' body COAI too said none of its members had pre-loaded any unknown numbers on any mobile phone. The clarification had come on reports that many Android-operating system run mobile phones listed by default the Aadhaar helpline number 1800-300-1947. UIDAI said the number 1800-300-1947 appearing in the contact list of Android phones was an "outdated and invalid" helpline number. The appearance of the number on smartphones had caused a social media furore, as users expressed concerns over how the helpline number had snuck into their smartphone contact list. #UIDAI was trending on the micro-blogging site as the Twitterati sought to unravel the mystery, and questioned the "breach of privacy".