From CNET: The IRS said Monday it will not use facial recognition to verify the identities of users of its site. Instead, it will implement other means to validate taxpayers' information, and says this change will not impact the current tax season.
It follows the agency announcing in November it would make use of ID.me's facial recognition services to verify identities on the IRS website by new users submitting a photo of themselves. This raised concerns over privacy in giving a third-party company access to personal information.
"The IRS takes taxpayer privacy and security seriously, and we understand the concerns that have been raised," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig in an agency statement Monday. "Everyone should feel comfortable with how their personal information is secured, and we are quickly pursuing short-term options that do not involve facial recognition."
It's unclear if the IRS will still make use of ID.me's services, as the agency did have a window of summer 2022 when all online accounts would require an ID.me account.
The IRS didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. ID.me did not provide a comment.
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