As SIR enumeration forms are being circulated throughout West Bengal and other parts of the country, some social media users are taking to their handles and posting their enumeration forms online. This could increase risks of privacy breach, say experts.
Cyber expert and Advocate Bivas Chatterjee warns that putting the form in the open online can expose you to identity theft or unauthorised use of your voter credentials.
"The SIR enumeration form asks for key personal details such as your name, address, EPIC number, and sometimes pre-printed information provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Once you post an image or PDF on social handles, that data becomes publicly visible, increasing the risk of misuse of personal information," Chatterjee was quoted as telling News Ei Samay.
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In states like West Bengal and others, the forms already include than just blank fields. Voters will need their EPIC number … the first section of the form will already have some pre-printed information.
How to share safely & what you can do:
If you feel compelled to share that you’ve submitted the form, here are safer practices:
1. Mask or blur out sensitive details such as your EPIC number, full address or QR code before posting.
2. Avoid uploading the full form with all fields visible; a simple tick-box or acknowledgement screen might be enough for a social post.
3. Retain a stamped or digitally acknowledged copy for yourself, but keep it private unless needed.
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Moreover, always confirm you're using an official “.gov.in” portal or the ECI’s app when filling out or submitting forms, or even verifying any form of electoral information for yourself or your family members.
By doing so, you protect your right to vote and also shield your registration details from floating in the public domain.
While it’s understandable that you may want to show off your participation in the SIR exercise, be thoughtful about how much you share. Your voter identity deserves the same care as your bank or Aadhaar information. Posting the full enumeration form without redaction can expose social media users to unnecessary risks.
