What is DigiYatra? Income Tax Department Responds to Rumors of Tax Evasion Tracking

In recent days, social media and several reports have sparked confusion about the DigiYatra app, claiming that it may be used by the Income Tax Department to track down tax evaders. However, the Income Tax Department has officially denied these claims and clarified the purpose of the DigiYatra platform.

DigiYatra: A Seamless Travel Innovation

DigiYatra is a digital initiative developed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with DigiYatra Foundation. The platform is designed to create a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel (BEST) experience for passengers by using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) at key checkpoints in airports.

Instead of showing IDs and boarding passes repeatedly, travelers can glide through entry gates, security checks, and boarding processes using just their face as a digital identity.

How DigiYatra Works

To use the DigiYatra app, passengers need to follow these steps:

1. Download the App – Available on both Android and iOS platforms.
2. Register and Verify Identity – Users must complete Aadhaar-based verification using DigiLocker or direct Aadhaar linking.
3. Upload a Selfie – This is matched with Aadhaar data to enable facial recognition.
4. Scan the Boarding Pass – The app shares the flight details securely with the airport system.

🔒 Privacy First:

• Data is stored locally on the passenger’s device, not on a central server.
• Information is automatically deleted within 24 hours of the flight’s departure.
• Encryption ensures the security of personal data at every step.

Rumors About Tax Tracking: Income Tax Department Clarifies

A few reports claimed that the government might start using DigiYatra data to identify inconsistencies in tax filings and monitor frequent travelers who may not be declaring accurate income. These reports even suggested that from 2025, tax notices could be issued based on such travel data.

However, the Income Tax Department issued an official statement debunking these rumors. In a post shared on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the department confirmed that no such initiative is underway. They emphasized that DigiYatra data is not being accessed or used for tax enforcement purposes.

Bottom Line

DigiYatra is a smart and secure solution designed to streamline air travel—not a surveillance tool for tax collection. The system prioritizes user privacy by storing data only on individual devices and erasing it shortly after the journey is completed.

For travelers, DigiYatra offers a fast, touch-free way to navigate airports while keeping personal information protected.

If you’re flying soon, consider registering on the DigiYatra app for a smoother airport experience—with full peace of mind about your privacy.