Controversial identity verification software dropping facial recognition requirement

The private contractor ID.me is dropping the facial recognition requirement from its identity verification software that is widely used by state and federal agencies.

The decision comes after a mounting backlash from activists and lawmakers to plans for the IRS to use ID.me because of privacy and accuracy concerns.

“We have listened to the feedback about facial recognition and are making this important change, adding an option for users to verify directly with a human agent to ensure consumers have even more choice and control over their personal data,” ID.me CEO Blake Hall said in a statement Tuesday evening.

The IRS announced Monday that it would be dropping plans to require Americans to upload a video selfie to access basic tax information.

At least 30 states and 10 federal agencies including Social Security, Labor and Veterans Affairs also use ID.me for verification to access unemployment assistance and a variety of grants.

Individuals who have previously uploaded a selfie to ID.me to access those services will be able to delete their data starting March 1.

The decision to offer a non-facial-recognition-based verification option is unlikely to be enough to placate critics who have raised concerns about using any kind of biometric checks to access basic necessities.