Digi Yatra Passenger Data Not Shared with Indian Tax Authorities, Confirms Civil Aviation Ministry

The civil aviation ministry has clarified that passenger data from Digi Yatra is not shared with Indian tax authorities. Earlier, the Income Tax Department denied claims that Digi Yatra information would be used to target tax evaders. Digi Yatra uses Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) to enable contactless and seamless airport travel for passengers.

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The ministry emphasised on X that no data from Digi Yatra users is shared with tax authorities. The app operates on a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, ensuring Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and travel details remain solely on the user's device. If the app is removed, all data is completely erased.

Data Security and Privacy Measures

Passenger data for Digi Yatra is securely stored in an encrypted format. To use the service, passengers must register on the Digi Yatra app with Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. After registration, they scan their boarding pass, and credentials are shared with the airport.

The ministry also stated that airport systems automatically delete passenger data within 24 hours after a flight departs. This ensures that personal information is not retained longer than necessary, enhancing privacy protection for travellers.

Clarification from Income Tax Department

The Income Tax Department also addressed concerns by stating on X that there is currently no plan to use Digi Yatra data for identifying tax evaders. This clarification aims to dispel any misinformation regarding the use of passenger data for tax purposes.

Digi Yatra is overseen by the Digi Yatra Foundation. Its shareholders include the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL), and Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL).

This initiative reflects a commitment to maintaining user privacy while enhancing airport efficiency through technology. By ensuring data security and clarifying its stance on data sharing, the ministry aims to build trust among passengers using Digi Yatra services.