New Income Tax Bill Proposes Allowing Officers To Access Your Mail and Social Media

As per Section 247 of the new Income Tax bill, authorities of the Income Tax Department may access people’s social media accounts, emails, bank accounts, online investment accounts, trading accounts, and more without prior consent, if they suspect tax evasion.

These officers can bypass passwords, override security settings, and unlock files if the access is denied. This new bill eliminates gray areas, making it legally binding for taxpayers to hand over access.

Critics argued that it violates the right to privacy secured under the Puttaswamy Judgement, to prevent the misuse.