SC flags private access to EPFO, ITR data, seeks safeguards against misuse

The Supreme Court has said the access by private entities to sensitive data of EPFO and ITR records was "worrisome", and asked the Centre to consider devising safeguards to ensure that such information is not misused.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, on Monday, expressed concern over the emergence of a commercial technology ecosystem allegedly accessing, retrieving and verifying sensitive personal information contained in provident fund and income tax records.

The CJI, while refusing to entertain a PIL filed by Piyush Sharma on the issue, suggested that the Centre devise an effective mechanism to address the issue with the assistance of domain experts.

The PIL raised concerns over private entities accessing and commercially exploiting individual data furnished to government authorities under statutory mandates.

The bench said the issue essentially falls within the policy domain, but termed as "worrisome" the private access to ..