IRS Using AI To Surveil Americans Rep’ Hageman Says

Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland opening an inquiry into the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) use of artificial intelligence (AI) to surveil Americans' financial information.

During an interview on Fox News Rep Hageman said that the Select Subcommittee have reason to believe that the IRS and Department of Justice (DOJ) are actively monitoring millions of Americans' private transactions, bank accounts, and related financial information—without any legal process—using an AI-powered system.

"This AI-powered warrantless financial surveillance is highly concerning and raises serious doubts about the federal government's respect for Americans' fundamental civil liberties." (Committee Letter to the IRS).

 

"The Committee on the Judiciary and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government are conducting oversight of the federal government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to surveil American citizens' financial information. Based on recent reporting and other information obtained by the Committee and Select Subcommittee, we believe that the Department of the Treasury possesses information necessary for our oversight and we request your full cooperation. (Letter to Yellen).

PRESS RELEASE:

"The Committee and Select Subcommittee have reason to believe that the IRS is working with other federal agencies to conduct this AI-powered warrantless financial surveillance. In the video, Mena stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 'Inspector General' control this AI-powered warrantless surveillance system, 'not the IRS.' Additionally, the Treasury Department's February 28, 2024 press release makes clear that the Treasury Department's Office of Payment Integrity (OPI) has a 'strong partnership with federal law enforcement agencies,' which has 'led to multiple active cases and arrests.' These allegations are particularly concerning given the IRS's track record of targeting, harassing, and intimidating American taxpayers and journalists and history of ignoring due process requirements when investigating taxpayers."

"Thus, in furtherance of the Committee’s oversight efforts, we ask that you please provide the following documents and information for the period January 1, 2021, to the present:

1. All documents and communications referring or relating to the use of artificial intelligence, including machine learning and large language models, to track, monitor, surveil, investigate, audit, or otherwise view the financial information of American citizens, including:

a. All documents and communications between the Treasury Department and any other federal agency; and

b. All documents and communications between the Treasury Department and any bank or financial institution.

2. All documents and communications referring or relating to the control of any artificial intelligence system described in Request 1."

Read the full letter to Secretary Yellen here.

Read the full letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland here.