DigiYatra App: Some reports claimed that the data of the DigiYatra app will be used to catch income tax evaders. Digi Yatra is used at airport check points. It helps in contactless checking of passengers through facial recognition technology.
DigiYatra App: The Income Tax Department on Monday denied that the data of the DigiYatra app will be used to catch tax evaders. In a post on X, the department denied the reports that Digi Yatra data will be used to catch tax evaders. The department said that in this regard it is being clarified that at present no such step is being taken by the Income Tax Department. Digi Yatra is used at airport check points. It helps in contactless checking of passengers through facial recognition technology. The data obtained from Digi Yatra remains encrypted. To avail this service, the passenger has to register with his details on the Digi Yatra app through Aadhaar based validation. The boarding pass is scanned at the airports and the necessary information is taken.
Claim in reports
Some reports said that the Income Tax Department has collected passenger data from the Digi Yatra app and is now matching it with tax filings so that irregularities can be caught. It was also said that from 2025 the department will start giving notices based on this data. However, the department has denied it.
What Is DigiYatra?
DigiYatra is an initiative by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and DigiYatra Foundation to offer a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel (BEST) experience through Facial Recognition Systems (FRS).
It allows passengers to move through airport checkpoints—such as entry, security, and boarding—using contactless identification.
Key Features:
- Passenger data is stored in encrypted format on the user’s device.
- No centralized data storage, minimizing risks of data leaks or misuse.
- Passenger data is automatically deleted within 24 hours of flight departure.
How Does DigiYatra Work?
To use DigiYatra, passengers need to:
- Register on the DigiYatra App – Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Verify Identity with Aadhaar – Complete Aadhaar-based verification via DigiLocker or direct linking. - Capture a Selfie – Match it with Aadhaar credentials for facial recognition.
- Scan Boarding Pass – Securely share details with the airport for a smooth experience.
Important Tip:
Ensure the name on your boarding pass matches the name on your Aadhaar to avoid issues.
Key Takeaways:
- DigiYatra is designed for secure and seamless airport experiences.
The app does not share passenger data with tax authorities or maintain a central database. - Users’ privacy is prioritized with data stored only on personal devices and automatically deleted after 24 hours.
- For travelers looking to simplify their airport experience, DigiYatra offers a safe and efficient solution without compromising data privacy.
