Income Tax Department Dismisses Claims of Using DigiYatra Data to Track Tax Evaders

The Income Tax Department has clarified that it has no plans to use data from the DigiYatra app to monitor tax evasion, addressing speculation fueled by recent media reports. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the department stated:

"It is seen that news articles have appeared stating that DigiYatra data will be used to crack down on tax evaders. In this connection, it is clarified that as on date there is no such move by the @IncomeTaxIndia department."

This statement followed viral reactions on social media, where users debated the department's use of the phrase “as on date,” speculating about potential future applications of DigiYatra data for tax investigations.

CEO of DigiYatra Foundation Debunks Misuse Myths

Adding to the clarification, the CEO of DigiYatra Foundation shared a detailed LinkedIn post debunking rumors of data misuse and emphasizing the platform’s commitment to privacy and security. Highlighting DigiYatra's privacy-preserving design, the CEO outlined the following key points:

1. No Central Data Storage: DigiYatra does not store any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in a central repository. This ensures that user data cannot be breached, shared, or leaked.
2. Limited to Domestic Travel: The app is currently available only for domestic air travel, making claims about monitoring international travelers baseless.
3. Miscommunication Issues: Reports suggesting unanswered queries from media outlets were attributed to an email being mistakenly flagged as spam. The DigiYatra team encouraged direct communication for accurate responses.
4. Unfounded Scrutiny Claims: With no central database, the app does not allow for financial scrutiny or tracking of passengers’ records, aligning with the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework to protect user privacy.
5. Milestones in 2024: The app has achieved significant success, with over 9 million active users and more than 42 million seamless passenger journeys, demonstrating public trust in its technology.

The CEO concluded by reaffirming DigiYatra's commitment to seamless and secure air travel while debunking baseless claims that overshadow its achievements.

DigiYatra: A Seamless Travel Initiative

DigiYatra, an initiative of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, utilizes facial recognition technology to streamline passenger verification at airports. It eliminates the need for physical documents, offering dedicated check-in and boarding queues for users at select airports.

Since its launch, DigiYatra has revolutionized air travel in India, providing a faster and hassle-free experience for millions of passengers. The platform’s robust privacy measures and decentralized data approach have earned widespread trust, setting a benchmark for digital innovation in travel.

Takeaway

Both the Income Tax Department and DigiYatra Foundation have categorically denied claims of data misuse, reaffirming their commitment to transparency and user privacy. As DigiYatra continues to gain traction, it stands as a testament to India’s advancements in digital transformation and passenger-centric solutions.