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WASHINGTON (AP) — Two House committees launched an investigation into the government’s use of facial recognition software, most recently used by the Internal Revenue Service, but stalled after complaints from lawmakers and privacy advocates.
Critics of the software said facial recognition databases could become a target for cyber threats. They also expressed concern about how the information might be used by other government agencies.
In a letter sent to ID.me CEO Blake Hall on Thursday, lawmakers requested documents and information regarding the company’s contracts with 10 federal agencies and 30 state governments for the use of facial recognition technology.
“I am deeply concerned that the federal government has no clear plan and allows agencies like the IRS to sign contracts worth tens of millions of dollars with questionable terms and oversight mechanisms,” said Carolyn Maloney, DN.Y., chair of the House oversight committee. an idiom.
“Without clear rules of the road, agencies will continue to turn to companies like ID.me, which increases the risk that essential services will not be provided fairly or directly to Americans, and that their biometric data will not be available. appropriately preserved.”
The letter was signed by Maloney and Representative James Clyburn of DC, who chairs the Coronavirus Crisis Selected Subcommittee. It was first reported by The Washington Post.
“ID.me remains a highly effective solution for government agencies that provide the most access for underserved Americans,” a company representative said in an emailed statement.
“ID.me complies with federal guidelines for authentication and login when providing services to public sector entities. These standards have proven to be highly effective in preventing fraud. “Four states have loaned ID.me $210 billion in fraud prevention,” the statement said.
In February, the IRS said it would suspend the use of facial recognition technology to authenticate people who create online accounts after the app was criticized by privacy advocates and lawmakers.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore. Lawmakers, including the IRS, urged the IRS to end its use of the ID.me software.
The agency is currently grappling with a labor shortage and an expanded workload processing tax returns and managing programs related to the pandemic.
The deadline for tax day is Monday.
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