Launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Digi Yatra scheme is a paperless travel experience for passengers, leveraging facial recognition technology. However, recent reports have raised concerns about Digi Yatra data privacy, including allegations of data sharing claims with the Income Tax Department to track tax evaders. This blog shows how the government addresses the concerns about passenger data security and alleged data sharing with third parties, including the Income Tax Department.
| Digi Yatra, launched in 2022, is a contactless, paperless airport boarding system that uses facial recognition to verify passenger identities in India. Supported by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this private, not-for-profit platform leverages Facial Recognition Technology (FRT). Consequently, it enables contactless passenger processing at various airport checkpoints, including check-ins, security screenings, and boarding gates. |
Digi Yatra Scheme
The Digi Yatra scheme aims to enhance the passenger experience at airports by reducing wait times and paperwork through digital identity verification. Moreover, by linking Aadhaar card or other IDs via the Digi Yatra app, passengers can enjoy contactless travel
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Key Features of the Digi Yatra App
The Digi Yatra app significantly enhances passenger convenience and efficiency through advanced technology. Firstly, here are its key features:-
- Paperless Travel: Passengers can link their Aadhaar or other identity documents to register on the app.
- Facial Recognition Technology: Enables seamless boarding without manual document checks.
- Secure Data Handling: The system ensures that it encrypts and securely stores user data to maintain privacy.
- Check-in Convenience: Integrates with airline booking systems for faster and hassle-free check-ins.
Digi Yatra Data to Detect Tax Evaders
According to reports, the potential use of Digi Yatra data by authorities, including the Income Tax Department, to track tax evaders is raising concerns. Consequently, this development could lead to increased scrutiny and heightened surveillance. Moreover, experts suggest that it may pave the way for more extensive data-sharing practices in the future. The Digi Yatra scheme focuses on enhancing passenger convenience, but people have raised concerns about whether the platform could leverage its data collection to monitor financial irregularities.
1. Data Sharing with the Income Tax Department:- It is alleged that passenger data, including Aadhaar-linked information and travel history collected through the Digi Yatra app, might be shared with the Income Tax Department.
2. Tracking Income and Spending Discrepancies:- The data could potentially be used to identify individuals whose declared income and spending patterns show discrepancies.
3. Privacy Concerns for Frequent Travelers:- Frequent travellers fear that their data may be scrutinized for tax compliance, raising significant privacy concerns.
In response to privacy concerns, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has, therefore, outlined the measures that are in place to safeguard passenger data. Consequently, these actions are designed to ensure that personal information remains secure
Digi Yatra Data Privacy and Government Clarification
These clarifications, therefore, aim to reassure users of the app’s privacy and, in turn, encourage wider adoption of the Digi Yatra scheme, ultimately leading to a seamless travel experience.
1. Government Clarification on Data Privacy Concerns: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that, in accordance with strict data privacy norms, the Digi Yatra scheme does not share passenger data with third parties. Specifically, it does not share data with the Income Tax Department.
2. Data Encryption Standards: Passenger data collected through the Digi Yatra app is securely encrypted and stored locally on the user’s device, minimizing data-sharing risks.
3. Voluntary Participation: The Digi Yatra scheme is entirely voluntary, and users can choose whether to register and share their details via the app.
4. No Central Data Repository: The government emphasized that there is no central storage of passenger data. Consequently, it ensures that user data cannot be accessed without consent.
5. Addressing Data Sharing Allegations: Recent allegations about sharing Digi Yatra user data with the Income Tax Department for tracking tax evaders have been categorically denied by the government.
6. Reinforcing User Trust: The Ministry, therefore, highlighted its commitment to ensuring passenger data security and, in addition, adhering to data protection principles, all while aligning with global privacy standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Digi Yatra, and how does it work?
A. The Digi Yatra app encrypts and stores passenger data locally on user devices, enabling seamless travel using Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) while complying with strict data protection standards.
Q. Does Digi Yatra collect financial data of passengers?
A. No, Digi Yatra does not collect financial data. The app only gathers minimal data required for travel, such as identity verification (Aadhaar, if linked) and flight details.
Q. Can Digi Yatra detect tax evasion through travel patterns?
A. No, Digi Yatra does not detect tax evasion. In fact, the platform’s primary purpose is to enhance passenger convenience at airports. Furthermore, claims about using travel patterns for tax surveillance are unsubstantiated.
Q. Is the Digi Yatra data linked to income tax records?
A. No, Digi Yatra does not link data to income tax records. In fact, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that there is no sharing of passenger data with the Income Tax Department or any other financial authorities.
Q. How is passenger privacy ensured in Digi Yatra?
A. The system encrypts and stores passenger data locally on the user’s device, thereby ensuring high levels of security. Furthermore, the absence of a central data repository significantly minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or misuse.
Q. Are rumors about Digi Yatra tracking taxes true?
A. No, these rumors are false. In fact, the government has categorically denied the allegations. Furthermore, it has clarified that there is no use of Digi Yatra data for tracking taxes or monitoring individual financial behavior.
Q. Does Digi Yatra share data with income tax authorities?
A. No, Digi Yatra does not share data with the Income Tax Department or any other third-party entities. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding passenger data.
Q. What are the data security measures in Digi Yatra?
A. The system encrypts and stores passenger data locally on the user’s device to enhance data privacy while adhering to strict protection standards.
