The Indian government has officially refuted recent claims suggesting that passenger data from the Digi Yatra app is being leveraged to identify tax evaders. In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Civil Aviation emphasized, “The recent media report concerning Digi Yatra is based on unfounded and inaccurate claims.”
Government Denies Sharing Data with Tax Authorities
The clarification comes after a newspaper report, citing anonymous sources, claimed that the tax department had access to Digi Yatra data. According to the report, this data was being compared with tax filings to identify income discrepancies, with the Income Tax department allegedly planning to issue notices to tax evaders in 2025.
In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stressed, “There is no sharing of Digi Yatra passengers’ data with Indian tax authorities.” The ministry also explained that Digi Yatra follows the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, which means that personally identifiable information (PII) and travel credentials are stored only on the user’s device, not in any central repository.
Data Security and User Privacy Assured
The ministry further clarified, “If a user uninstalls the Digi Yatra app, all data is deleted entirely. Airport systems automatically purge passenger data within 24 hours after the flight’s departure.” Additionally, the ministry noted that Digi Yatra is currently designed exclusively for domestic passengers and does not apply to international travelers.
The Income Tax department also denied the allegations, reaffirming that they are not accessing Digi Yatra data for tracking tax evaders. The official Digi Yatra account thanked the Income Tax department for addressing the false claims.
Digi Yatra, which uses Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), provides a seamless, contactless travel experience at various airport checkpoints. To use the service, passengers register on the app with Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. Boarding passes are scanned, and credentials are shared with the airport for efficient processing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Tax laws are subject to amendments, and individual circumstances may vary. Readers are advised to consult a qualified tax professional or refer to the official Income Tax Department resources for personalized guidance. The author and publisher are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.
