Myth Busted: No Tax Snooping Through DigiYatra

Social media claims suggested that India's Income Tax Department would access passenger data from the DigiYatra app to target tax evaders. However, a PTI Fact Check revealed these claims false, with affirmations from involved authorities that no data sharing with tax authorities occurs.

Social media recently buzzed with claims that the Indian Income Tax Department might exploit passenger data from the DigiYatra app to corner tax evaders. The rumor traced back to a media report quoting unnamed sources, but a PTI Fact Check debunked it as entirely unfounded.

Both the Income Tax Department and the Ministry of Civil Aviation rebuffed the claim, emphasizing it was built on inaccurate speculation. The Ministry confirmed data protection protocols, asserting no passenger information is shared with tax authorities, and data is stored only on users' devices, not centrally.

DigiYatra CEO Suresh Khadakabhavi reiterated the app's commitment to privacy, maintaining that no central records keep personal user data, ensuring decentralization. The alleged report was subsequently updated to reflect these clarifications, though its headlines failed to fully retract the false narratives.

(With inputs from agencies.)