Under the proposed amendments in India’s Income Tax Bill, 2025, income tax officers will be granted the authority to access your emails and social media accounts if they suspect tax evasion. Starting April 1, 2026, the bill introduces the concept of “virtual digital space,” encompassing platforms such as email servers, social media accounts, online investment accounts, trading accounts, and cloud storage. Clause 247 of the bill allows tax authorities to override access codes to these digital spaces during search and survey operations if access is otherwise unavailable.
Source HINDUSTAN TIMES
This expansion of powers aims to address sophisticated tax evasion methods in the digital realm. However, it has raised concerns regarding privacy and the potential for misuse, especially since these powers can be exercised without judicial oversight. Experts emphasize the need for safeguards to prevent unwarranted intrusion into personal digital spaces.
INDIA TODAY
It’s important to note that these powers are intended for use during official investigations when there is suspicion of tax evasion. They are not meant for routine monitoring of taxpayers’ digital activities. Nonetheless, the broad scope of these provisions has sparked debates about balancing effective tax enforcement with the protection of individual privacy rights.
