HMRC to delete 5 million voice records

HMRC have been forced to delete five million voice files that were obtained without consent. 

As reported by the BBC, HMRC failed to get the necessary consent from individuals before they were signed up to a voice ID system for telephone enquiries.

Because of this breach of privacy rules, they are having to delete all the files that they did not receive explicit consent to record.

In order to speed up their helpline, HMRC invited callers to use a recognition system, a quicker alternative to their usual security checks.

The scheme was launched in 2017 and involved callers repeatedly stating “my voice is my password.” HMRC would then use an algorithm to match the caller’s voice with their tax records, confirming their identification.

MORE: https://www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/news/hmrc-to-delete-5-million-voice-records