Income Tax Bill 2025: A Threat to Privacy?

What’s the Controversy?

The new bill gives tax officers unrestricted access to digital and financial records, raising concerns about mass surveillance.

1

Key Provisions of the Bill

What Does the Bill Allow? – Access to emails & social media based on suspicion – Monitor bank & trading transaction – Retrieve data from cloud storage – Bypass security measures on digital platform

2

Why Is This a Problem?

⚠️ No Warrant, No Notice! Authorities can access private data without proof, just based on suspicion—raising concerns about misuse.

Opposition’s Reaction

💬 Congress calls it "Surveillance State" 🔴 Supriya Shrinate: “Your private conversations & transactions are under attack!”

Government’s Justification

Govt’s Stand – Helps in cracking down on tax evasion – Increases transparency in financial dealing – Will be applied fairly with safeguard

When Will It Be Implemented?

📅 Starting FY 2026-27 – If passed, tax officers can legally access digital records from next financial year.

What Happens Next?

⚖️ Will There Be Changes? A 31-member Select Committee is reviewing the bill. Critics demand: ✔️ Stronger safeguards ✔️ Judicial oversight ✔️ Clear privacy guidelines

Arrow