Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed Lok Sabha parliamentarians in New Delhi, outlining India’s economic reforms and future strategies. A key point of discussion was the Income Tax Bill, 2025, specifically a controversial provision allowing tax authorities access to WhatsApp messages and emails.
Sitharaman defended this measure, arguing it’s crucial for combating tax evasion and financial crimes exploiting encrypted platforms. She highlighted a recent successful case where decrypted WhatsApp messages led to the recovery of over Rs. 90 crore in crypto assets from a criminal syndicate.
The Finance Minister emphasized that while encryption offers privacy, it’s being increasingly abused for illicit activities. This provision, she asserted, is a necessary tool for law enforcement to track and prosecute financial criminals effectively, ensuring a more transparent and accountable financial system. The government aims to strike a balance between protecting individual privacy and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
