Is Indian Tax Department Using DigiYatra Data To Identify Tax Evaders?

The aviation industry has witnessed significant transitions over the last few years and an epic surge in passenger footfall has been a constant, especially during the festive season. Installation of DigiYatra technology in different airports nationwide helped cut down the processing time to enter airports. This paperless and contactless system helps many passengers every day by providing seamless experiences. In between all these, a report claimed that the Indian Income Tax Department could access DigiYatra data to get hold of tax evaders. But is this the actual truth?

Ministry Of Aviation Clarified Claims About Using DigiYatra Data To Identify Tax Evaders

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

With the help of this facial recognition system, passengers can easily pass through different checkpoints at airports. The entire paperless and contactless process confirms travellers’ identifications within seconds, streamlines air travel, and allows people to enter their terminal at the earliest.

Suddenly, an alleged claim of the Indian Income Tax Department using DigiYatra’s passenger data started becoming the headlines. The shocking news was regarding the department using this information to identify tax evaders. With the rumour spreading all around, people started becoming cautious of their privacy.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, clarified rumours and stated “that the recent media report concerning DigiYatra is based on unfounded and inaccurate claims.” DigiYatra app follows the Sovereign Identity model. Personally Identifiable Information and travel credentials are stored on the user’s device only. No details are shared with the Indian tax authorities.

Also read: Journalist Calls Early Morning Flights From Delhi Airport T3 A Nightmares; Shares DigiYatra Doesn’t Matter

Does The Data Remain Available After Deleting The App?

Users may uninstall the DigiYatra application from their mobiles after concluding their journeys. Will deleting the app affect the process of restoring private information? As shared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the data gets completely deleted after a user uninstalls the DigiYatra app.

Airport systems follow an automatic process of removing passenger data within 24 hours of the flight’s departure. The Ministry also highlighted that DigiYatra is designed for domestic passengers only. International passengers cannot use it.

Also read: Soon, DigiYatra To Be Introduced At 14 Airports In India; Check List Of All Indian Airports That Have DigiYatra

Have you used DigiYatra before? If yes, how was your experience? Let us know.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/ Anand Sankar (@kalapian_)