Govt Clarifies on Tax Officials' Access to Personal Emails, Social Media and Bank Accounts

Moneylife Digital Team 27 March 2025

Economy & Nation

The Union ministry of finance (MoF) has clarified that income-tax (I-T) officials will not have direct access to personal emails, social media accounts and bank details of taxpayers. However, in cases of search and seizure operations, authorised officers may gain access to electronic records if necessary, the government stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Ritabrata Banerjee, a member of Parliament (MP), has asked for information about whether I-T officials are allowed access to taxpayers' personal emails, social media and bank accounts.

Responding to a question, Pankaj Chaudhary, minister of state for finance, says that under Section 132 of the I-Tax Act, officials have the authority to inspect electronic records, but only during legally sanctioned search and seizure operations. Similar provisions have been included in the new I-T Bill which empowers officials to override access codes if the person under investigation refuses to cooperate, he added.

The government clarified that no blanket access is granted to tax officials to monitor personal digital communications or financial transactions. However, Mr Chaudhary says that when authorities suspect tax evasion or financial irregularities, they may demand access to electronic records maintained by the individual or entity under scrutiny.

This clarification comes amid rising concerns over digital privacy and surveillance. With the increasing digitisation of financial transactions, experts have warned against excessive government access to personal data. While the government asserts that such measures are essential for curbing tax evasion, privacy advocates argue that stronger safeguards are needed to prevent misuse.

The reply is likely to fuel ongoing debates around data protection and citizens' privacy rights as India moves towards a more digital economy.

Comments