The IT department denies plans to use DigiYatra data to crack down on tax evaders
The Income Tax department issued a clarification today, December 30 denying media reports suggesting that data from the DigiYatra app will be used to track tax evaders.
In a communication document to X, the IT Department wrote that, “It seems that there have been reports that Digiyatra data will be used to raid tax evaders. In this case it is clarified that as of now there is no such thing.” to move @IncomeTaxIndia department.”
It seems that headlines have appeared saying that Digiyatra data will be used to crack down on tax evaders.
In this case it is clarified that as of now there is no such movement @IncomeTaxIndia the door.@nsitharamanoffc@officeofPCM@FinMinIndia@PIB_India– Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) December 30, 2024
In a press report, it was said quoting sources, “the tax department has accessed all passenger data captured from the DigiYatra app, and the same is being merged with tax filings to check for discrepancies in declared income. The tax department will start issuing notices in 2025 based on DigiYatra data.”
According to this article, the tax agency will target those who do not submit their tax returns first, and then those who underreport their income. It meant that data from domestic and foreign travelers was being processed, with frequent or high-value trips, especially international trips, possibly showing defendants whose incomes could not justify these costs.
Commenting on this, DigiYatra CEO Suresh Khadakabhavi posted on X saying, “There is no central storage of biometric or personal data. The data resides on users’ phones, and facial authentication is transmitted across locations. 9M+ users and secure travel which is 42M+. Privacy can still be discussed with them.
The CEO of Digi Yatra, Mr. Suresh Khadakabhavi, responds to the claims of The New Indian Express: there is no central storage of biometric, or personal data that resides on users’ phones, and facial authentication is decentralized. 9M+ users and 42M+ secure tours. Privacy is always non-negotiable. #DigiYatra pic.twitter.com/M4byGTHEgp
– Digi Yatra Office (@DigiYatraOffice) December 30, 2024
Based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), Digi Yatra provides seamless, hassle-free movement of passengers at various checkpoints in airports.
The data shared by the Digi Yatra passenger is stored in an encrypted format. To avail the service, the passenger has to register his details on the Digi Yatra app using Aadhaar-based authentication and a selfie. In the next step, the boarding pass must be scanned and the credentials shared with the airport.
Digi Yatra is managed by Digi Yatra Foundation. Its shareholders are Airport Authority of India (AAI), Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL) and Mumbai International Airport Ltd ( MIAL).
With input from agencies
