SOS at the IRS

Key takeaways

Facial recognition in airports raises significant privacy concerns and many travelers may not be aware of their opt-out rights.
The rapid turnover at the IRS could lead to challenges in the upcoming tax season.
There is a notable trend of couples choosing charitable giving over traditional wedding gifts, reflecting changing societal norms.
Instagram's new location sharing feature necessitates careful scrutiny of privacy settings to protect user information.

Summary

Facial Recognition at Airports

The episode discusses a new report from the Algorithmic Justice League highlighting the use of facial recognition software by the TSA at airports. Although the technology is said to be more accurate than other applications, the report reveals significant issues regarding passenger awareness and consent. It was found that 99% of those interviewed were not informed about their right to opt-out, raising concerns about privacy and transparency.

Turmoil at the IRS

The hosts delve into the surprising news that President Trump will be removing Billy Long from his position as IRS chief, less than two months after his confirmation. This change follows a tumultuous time for the IRS, characterized by staffing cuts and internal conflicts. The episode stresses the implications this may have for the upcoming tax filing season.

Innovations in Charitable Giving

A growing trend around charitable giving registries for weddings is analyzed, with couples opting for donations in place of traditional gifts, citing their established lives. The discussion touches on the evolving nature of wedding traditions and societal expectations, reflecting a shift toward more altruistic celebrations.

Instagram's New Location Feature

The podcast outlines Instagram's recent update allowing users to share their locations, prompting concerns around privacy and security. The hosts express their strong disapproval of the default settings nudging users to opt-in, highlighting the potential risks involved, especially for vulnerable individuals. There’s an emphasis on how users should actively manage their settings to protect their privacy.

Show notes

President Trump will replace Billy Long as the head of the Internal Revenue Service, less than two months since he was confirmed. This comes after months of turmoil at the IRS. We’ll explain. And, did you know could opt out of facial recognition software when going through airport security? Plus, we’ll weigh in on Instagram’s new map feature and more during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!

Here’s everything we talked about today:

"Trump Is Removing Billy Long as the I.R.S. Head 2 Months After He Was Confirmed" from The New York Times
"The Comply To Fly?" from The Algorithmic Justice League
"This wedding season, some couples are using their registries to give back" from Marketplace
"Should buy now, pay later factor into credit scores?" from Marketplace
"The New York Post is launching a California edition. Why?" from The Washington Post
"Instagram Map lets your friends, and possibly exes, track your every move'" from The Washington Post

Tell us about your experience with TSA’s facial recognition system. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.