Using facial recognition to verify an individual's identity, as the IRS has now revoked, was never the right approach, security and privacy experts say.
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The IRS move drew criticism from privacy advocates from the moment it was announced. On February 7, 2022, several lawmakers joined the chorus urging the IRS to reverse its decision, which the department did shortly thereafter, promising to explore other options instead.
“The IRS takes taxpayer privacy and security seriously, and we understand the concerns that have been raised,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in rescinding the decision. “Everyone should feel comfortable with how their personal information is protected, and we are moving quickly to pursue near-term options that do not require facial recognition.”
The agency planned to use ID.me's authentication technology and asked users to send video selfies to the company to gain access to their online accounts.
