Income Tax Digital Checks: Government Debunks Viral Claim: Will Income Tax Department Check Your Phone and Messages from April 1, 2026?
Income Tax Digital Checks - Government Debunks Viral Claim: Will Income Tax Department Check Your Phone and Messages from April 1, 2026?
A recent social media claim has caused significant alarm among common taxpayers, while a post rapidly circulating online asserted that from April 1, 2026, the Income Tax department would gain direct authority to scrutinize bank accounts, emails, and even social media accounts. This news raised numerous questions about the right to privacy, leaving millions concerned about their digital security. However, the government has now clarified its stance on the matter, revealing a truth that completely refutes these claims.
The Misinformation Circulating on Social Media
Citing a post linked to the handle '@IndianTechGuide' on the internet, it was claimed that under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, the department would be granted unlimited powers in the name of preventing tax evasion. The viral message further suggested that the department could routinely scan personal messages, social media activity, and emails. Such claims naturally caused panic among ordinary citizens, as they appeared to directly infringe upon their personal privacy. This information was incomplete and entirely misleading, designed solely to spread fear and uncertainty among the populace.Government's Clarification: The Claim is Fake
Given the seriousness of this viral claim, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) promptly conducted a fact-check. PIB unequivocally stated that the claim being made on social media is false and misleading. The government clarified that the Income Tax department has not been granted any 'blanket right' or arbitrary authority to snoop into anyone's digital space whenever it wishes. This is merely a rumor being spread without any solid context or evidence, thereby creating unnecessary confusion among the public.The True Meaning of Section 247
Now, if this claim is false, what does the law actually state, and why did this confusion arise? PIB explained that the entire misunderstanding was generated around Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025. The provisions of this section were misrepresented, while the reality is that the provisions for accessing digital data under this section are extremely stringent and can only be utilized in specific and exceptional circumstances, not for general or routine investigations.Conditions for Accessing Digital Data
The Income Tax department can only access your digital data, such as emails or social media accounts, when a 'Search and Survey' operation is underway against an individual or entity. This directly implies that unless there is concrete evidence of significant tax evasion against a taxpayer, and the department. Is officially conducting a raid or search operation, no one has the right to interfere with your private digital life. This provision is designed solely to prevent serious financial crimes and large-scale tax evasion, ensuring that the law isn't misused.
This clarification comes as a significant relief for common taxpayers, while there is no need for them to be concerned about their privacy, as this rule doesn't apply to those who honestly pay their taxes and aren't involved in any serious tax evasion cases. The department's focus is on major cases where tax evasion is being carried. Out in an organized manner, not on the everyday digital communications of ordinary citizens. It's crucial that people don't believe such misleading news and. Rely only on information from official sources to avoid falling prey to misinformation.