DigiYatra App was launched on June 8, 2017. It is an opt-in partially government service the touted aim of which is to provide a seamless travel experience. However, ever since its inception, concerns have been raised regarding its data collection and storage policies. Recently, the app came under fire for being affiliated with another dubious company. Now, the Digi Yatra Foundation or DYF has announced that it is shifting to a new app entirely.
DigiYatra App Announces Shift To New App Amid Privacy Concerns
This other claim I made in that thread is absolutely accurate and I stand by my claim.
With the level of access that that both the old and new DigiYatra apps demand, they could absolutely delete user data or modify/plant arbitrary files on your device.https://t.co/ZWvmoizC6Z
— mas.to / (@kingslyj) April 17, 2024
According to an article which was recently published by The Hindu, the DYF has dropped DataEvolve. DataEvolve is an app maker on whom there’s an ongoing criminal investigation for money laundering and for using a concerning amount of app permissions on user phones.
The DYF recently announced that it is shifting to an entirely new app. It asked all the users to uninstall the old app and install the new one. As per a media statement cited in The Hindu article, the CEO of DYF stated that DataEvolve has completely been removed from the DigiYatra ecosystem.
An article by the Internet Freedom Foundation also reveals that though there is evidence for it, sufficient clarity on DYF’s part was lacking. An X (formerly known as Twitter) user @kingslyj has made multiple threads highlighting concerns about the app.
Also Read: DigiYatra: After Delhi And Bengaluru, Pune, Vijayawada & Kolkata Airports To Offer Swifter Check-In
Previous App Maker Dropped By The DYF; But Are The Concerns Over?
So @DigiYatraOffice has always had access to READ and WRITE/MODIFY ***ALL THE DATA*** on your device.
Yes that includes data of other apps installed on your phone.
WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGEFrom https://t.co/5Ug8BJAg3o pic.twitter.com/NdPSdZEbMn
— mas.to / (@kingslyj) April 16, 2024
DigiYatra facilitates travel by using Facial Recognition Technology or FRT and Aadhaar-linked credentials to authenticate a passenger. It has been claimed time and again that this data is not stored in the app but as per the Internet Freedom Foundation’s article, no proof has been provided to support the claim.
We value your feedback and we are pleased to announce that Digi Yatra is expanding to 28 airports across India!
Experience smoother travel as we enhance our infrastructure to make your journey a memorable one.
Here’s all you need to know about your data privacy and security… pic.twitter.com/9tagakvhm4
— Digi Yatra Official (@DigiYatraOffice) April 19, 2024
It also states that the app’s privacy policy is fraught with contradictions. This is not the first time that the app has come under fire for privacy and data storage concerns. Since its inception, the app has been criticised.
It has also been alleged that despite being a voluntary or opt-in service, many passengers are coerced into downloading the app.
Also Read: Govt Launches Facial Recognition System DigiYatra At Delhi, Bangalore And Varanasi Airports
What are your thoughts on this controversy? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @ramindroid/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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