Will the government check your phone and messages from April 1st? Know what the new rules say

Income Tax New Rules: A news item circulating on social media has been causing sleepless nights for ordinary taxpayers. A post is rapidly going viral on the internet claiming that under the new Income Tax law, the government is now preparing to digitally snoop into your phone. It is being said that from April 1, 2026, the Income Tax Department will have direct access to check your bank accounts, emails, and even social media accounts. If you too are worried about your privacy after believing this news, then stop. The government has made its position completely clear on this, and the truth is quite different.

Also Read: Received messages from the Income Tax Department? Be careful, or your refund might get stuck

Misinformation is being spread on social media

A post circulating on the internet, attributed to a handle called ‘Indian Tech Guide’ (@IndianTechGuide), claims that the new Income Tax Act, 2025, is giving the department unlimited powers in the name of preventing tax evasion. According to the viral message, the department can scrutinize your personal messages, social media activity, and emails even for routine checks. Naturally, such claims are bound to alarm ordinary citizens, as they directly raise questions about the right to privacy. However, this information is incomplete and completely misleading.

Government reveals the truth: This claim is fake

Given the seriousness of this viral claim, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) conducted a fact-check. The PIB has clearly stated that this claim being made on social media is false. The government has clarified that the Income Tax Department has not been given any such ‘blanket right’ or arbitrary power that would allow them to snoop into anyone's digital space whenever they want. This is merely a rumor being spread without context.

Real meaning of Section 247

Now the question arises, if this is false, then what does the law actually say? The PIB explained that this confusion has arisen regarding Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025. The reality is that the provisions of this section are very strict and are used only in specific circumstances. This can only be done in specific circumstances.

Will government is now preparing to digitally snoop into your phone?

The department can only access your digital data (such as emails or social media) when a 'search and survey' operation is being conducted against an individual. This means that unless there is concrete evidence of significant tax evasion against a taxpayer and the department is officially conducting a raid, no one has the right to intrude on your private life. Also Read: India Oman Trade: India signs FTA with Oman, receives zero duty access on their exports

Summary

The PIB has clarified that under the new law, digital investigations will only be conducted during 'search operations' in cases of major tax evasion. This rule does not apply to ordinary taxpayers or routine investigations.