KT Rama Rao raises alarm over Centre’s new Income Tax Act posing threat to digital privacy

"The new bill allows unchecked access to citizens’ social media, emails, and online trading accounts under the guise of tax scrutiny. This is nothing but mass surveillance": BRS working president

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao raised an alarm against the Centre’s proposed new Income Tax Bill, calling it a serious threat to digital privacy. He demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the sweeping powers being granted to I-T officials.

“The new bill allows unchecked access to citizens’ social media, emails, and online trading accounts under the guise of tax scrutiny. This is nothing but mass surveillance,” he said. He warned that the unprecedented intrusion into virtual digital spaces could lead to harassment and misuse.

---

With financial data already under multiple reporting mechanisms, he said the draconian intrusion tramples on fundamental rights and digital privacy of citizens. “Who will hold officials accountable if there is any misuse of this overreaching provision?” he asked.