IRS cybersecurity staff in US placed on leave amid data-sharing controversy

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has put several senior IT and cybersecurity experts on leave as the Trump administration plans to share taxpayer data with immigration authorities. This has raised concerns about data privacy and security, according to CNN.

Employees affected by the decision lost access to IRS computer systems immediately. Some attempted to report to work but were turned away. While officials claim the measure is part of cost-cutting and restructuring efforts, sources suggest it may be linked to internal opposition to data-sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The IRS is reportedly finalising an agreement to provide location data of undocumented immigrants to ICE, a move that has led to legal challenges. US privacy laws strictly regulate when and how taxpayer data can be shared, and immigrant rights groups have filed lawsuits to prevent this information from being used for deportation purposes.

Experts worry that placing cybersecurity staff on leave could weaken IRS firewalls and data protection measures. Many of the sidelined employees were responsible for overseeing IRS systems that control what data enters and exits the agency.

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