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PIB debunks viral claim on Income Tax access to emails and social media
PIB clarified that Income Tax officials cannot access emails or social media accounts unless a formal search operation for serious tax evasion is authorised.
The Press Information Bureau has issued a clarification dismissing viral claims that Income Tax officials will gain blanket access to citizens’ bank accounts, emails, and social media data from April 1, 2026. PIB stated that such assertions are misleading and misinterpret provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025. According to the clarification, tax authorities can access digital data only during legally sanctioned search and survey operations backed by evidence of significant tax evasion. Routine assessments, scrutiny cases, or data processing do not allow intrusion into private digital platforms.