Fact check: Can HMRC access airline passenger data to identify tax evasion?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided do not offer a direct answer to whether HMRC can access airline passenger data to identify tax evasion ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]}. However, multiple sources highlight HMRC's use of AI to monitor social media posts and examine financial data for signs of tax evasion ^{[1] [3]}. Additionally, sources discuss Air Passenger Duty statistics, the process of collecting it, and the role of HMRC in this context ^{[4] [5] [6]}. Other analyses focus on HMRC's efforts to tackle tax avoidance and evasion through various measures, including stricter penalties, new services, and stronger information powers ^{[7] [8]}. The issue of tax evasion in the UK is also discussed, including underestimation in online marketplaces and the decline in prosecutions ^[9].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

• The original statement lacks context on the legal framework governing HMRC's access to airline passenger data, which could be crucial in determining the feasibility of such access ^{[1] [2] [3]}.
• Alternative viewpoints on the effectiveness of HMRC's current methods for identifying tax evasion are not presented, such as the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI for this purpose ^{[1] [3]}.
• The analyses do not provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by HMRC in accessing and utilizing airline passenger data for tax evasion purposes, including potential privacy concerns and data protection issues ^{[4] [5] [6]}.
• The role of international cooperation in combating tax evasion is not discussed, which could be an important aspect in accessing airline passenger data ^{[7] [8] [9]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may overlook the complexity of HMRC's capabilities and the legal framework surrounding data access, potentially leading to misinformation about the ease with which HMRC can access airline passenger data ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Certain groups, such as tax evasion perpetrators, may benefit from the lack of clarity on HMRC's access to airline passenger data, as it could hinder efforts to detect and prevent tax evasion ^{[7] [8] [9]}. On the other hand, advocates for privacy and data protection may benefit from the ambiguity, as clear guidelines on data access could potentially infringe on individual rights ^{[4] [5] [6]}.