Centre Denies Reports of Digi Yatra Data Being Used to Track Tax Evaders
The Indian government has refuted claims that Digi Yatra app data is being shared with the tax department to track evaders. The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified the system's data security measures, emphasizing privacy and restricted use.
New Delhi: The Indian government has dismissed reports suggesting that passenger data from the Digi Yatra app is being used to identify tax evaders. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Civil Aviation called the claims "unfounded and inaccurate," assuring that no Digi Yatra data is being shared with tax authorities.
The clarification follows a report alleging that the Income Tax department had access to Digi Yatra data and was using it to reconcile travel records with income tax filings to identify discrepancies. The report also claimed the department planned to issue notices to tax evaders starting in 2025.
Government's Clarification
The Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized that Digi Yatra adheres to strict privacy protocols. "The app follows the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, ensuring that Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and travel credentials are stored exclusively on the user's device and not on any central repository," the ministry said.
It further clarified that passenger data is automatically deleted from airport systems within 24 hours of a flight's departure. Additionally, the app is designed exclusively for domestic passengers and does not apply to international travelers.
"If a user uninstalls the Digi Yatra app, all their data is entirely erased," the ministry added, reinforcing its commitment to data privacy.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation hereby clarifies that the recent media report concerning Digi Yatra is based on unfounded and inaccurate claims.
There is no sharing of Digi Yatra passengers data with Indian tax authorities. The Digi Yatra app follows the Self-Sovereign Identity… — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 30, 2024
Income Tax Department Denies Allegations
The Income Tax department also denied the allegations, stating that it is not using Digi Yatra data to identify or pursue tax evaders. The official X handle of Digi Yatra thanked the Income Tax department for "addressing the false claims."
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.@nsitharamanoffc@officeofPCM@FinMinIndia@PIB_India — Income Tax India (@IncomeTaxIndia) December 30, 2024
About Digi Yatra
Digi Yatra is a digital initiative leveraging Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to offer passengers contactless and seamless movement at airport checkpoints. The system requires users to register on the app using Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. Boarding passes are then scanned, and credentials are securely shared with the airport.
Passenger data is encrypted and used strictly for facilitating airport processes, ensuring robust data security and privacy.
This clarification aims to reassure users about the safety and restricted use of their data in light of recent privacy concerns.
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