India Debunks Tax Digital Access Claim

The government of India, through its India — Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checking unit, has debunked a viral social media claim suggesting that the India — Income Tax Department will gain broad access to private digital data, including emails and social media accounts, starting April 1, 2026, under the Income Tax Act, 2025. The claim, originating from the X (social network) handle IndianTechGuide, was labeled as misleading. PIB clarified that the relevant provisions under Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, are strictly limited to search and survey operations and apply only in cases of credible evidence of significant tax evasion. The India — Income Tax Department does not have blanket authority for routine information gathering or scrutiny assessments, and these powers are not new, having existed since the Income Tax Act of 1961. The government's response aims to reassure taxpayers and counter misinformation regarding data privacy and surveillance.