GSA’s Login.gov will pilot facial recognition

The General Services Administration (GSA) announced an expansion of its Login.gov platform to include facial recognition technology starting in May. According to a recent press release, the pilot program will allow users to verify their identities by matching a live selfie with a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The GSA has emphasized that the images will be used solely for identity verification and not for any other purposes, reaffirming its commitment to user privacy.

Ann Lewis, Director of GSA’s Technology Transformation Services, stated that this new identity verification method aims to protect user data and prevent fraud, aligning with Identity Assurance Level (IAL) two guidelines. This initiative is part of GSA’s ongoing efforts to enhance privacy, accessibility, and security on the platform.

This announcement follows previous disclosures about plans to implement an evidence-based identity verification system in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines. It also comes after the GSA faced criticism from its inspector general for inaccurately informing other government agencies about the privacy protection level of Login.gov, particularly in terms of compliance with IAL two standards.