DigiLocker: Digital Storage with Varied Acceptance

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DigiLocker, introduced in 2015 is an application developed by the government to securely store digital documents such as Aadhaar, PAN cards driving licenses and more. It's part of the Digital India campaign. It aims to reduce paper consumption while making important records easily accessible and verifiable. With a user base of over 270 million people and a total of 6.7 billion documents accessed DigiLocker plays a role in administrative procedures.

Uses:

Users can conveniently retrieve their documents for purposes like passport applications verifying identity while traveling or checking educational transcripts. The apps collaboration with boards such as CISCE and the Tamil Nadu State Board allows students to access their exam results digitally with plans for similar integration with the CBSE board in progress. Considered as an eco-solution DigiLocker offers up to date document versions online eliminating the need to carry copies. This feature benefits both officials and users by reducing reliance on counterfeit documents. DigiLocker is not compulsory for passport applications its usage is being promoted to speed up the process.

Security:

Security remains a priority for DigiLocker under the Ministry of Electronics & ITs supervision, as part of the Digital India initiative. The platform employs security protocols like 2048 Bit RSA SSL encryption, multi factor authentication, consent mechanisms, timed logouts and regular security assessments.

Despite taking these precautions the platform is still a target, for cyber attackers. This was evident when a flaw in the registration process was fixed in 2020 following alerts from CERT In and an independent researcher.

Challenges:

Even though DigiLocker offers convenience it comes with its set of challenges. People who are not familiar with using smartphones or those who cannot read may struggle to utilize the app. Inconsistencies in names or spellings on documents can also hinder the retrieval of records successfully. Moreover different government agencies and law enforcement bodies have varying levels of acceptance for DigiLocker documents with some insisting on copies despite the apps intended purpose.