Privacy

Groups Implore Agencies Not to Use ID.me or Other Facial Recognition Technology

After a chorus of criticism from consumer and privacy groups, lawmakers and members of the public succeeded in convincing the IRS to end the use of ID.me, a facial recognition tool designed to verify individuals’ identities, Consumer Federation of America stepped up the pressure with a letter to other federal and state agencies imploring them not to use such technology. Not only has it been shown to have a racial bias and disproportionate impact on people of color, but the groups pointed out that its use requires reliable internet service and quality webcams or smartphone cameras, which many individuals do not have.