India, Dec. 22 -- A social media post claiming that the Income Tax Department will gain sweeping powers to access citizens' social media accounts, emails and other digital platforms from April 1, 2026, has been flagged as misleading by the government.

The Press Information Bureau's fact-checking unit (PIB Fact Check) clarified that the claim, shared by X handle @IndianTechGuide, falsely suggests mass digital surveillance by tax authorities. The government said no such blanket powers have been granted.

According to PIB, the provisions under Section 247 of the Income Tax Act, 2025, are limited strictly to search and survey operations. These powers can only be exercised when there is credible evidence of serious tax evasion and a taxpayer ...