In a breaking development, House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, alongside Rep. Harriet Hageman, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding its potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to unlawfully monitor American taxpayers nationwide.

The lawmakers addressed their concerns in two separate letters, one to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the other to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The main point of contention stems from a September 2023 press release, in which the IRS stated that AI would aid in detecting tax fraud, identifying compliance threats, and improving case selection tools to reduce unnecessary audits.

However, recent allegations have raised suspicions about the IRS's AI usage, particularly claims of widespread and warrantless monitoring of American citizens' bank accounts. The concerns were highlighted in a report by James O'Keefe's O'Keefe Media Group, which disclosed video footage of an IRS official named Alex Mena discussing a newly implemented AI system. Mena suggested that this system had the capability to delve into all returns, bank statements, and related financial information worldwide.

Jordan and Hageman expressed their unease over the potential collaboration between the IRS and other federal agencies in facilitating this AI-powered financial surveillance, which they argue violates citizens' privacy rights. The lawmakers questioned the legality and the potential infringement on civil liberties resulting from this pervasive monitoring.

The scrutiny has intensified after the video footage revealed Mena's statement indicating a willingness to pursue "small people" and "destroying people's lives." While the IRS has publicly pledged not to escalate audit rates for individuals earning under $400,000 annually, the lawmakers remain skeptical of the agency's commitment.

This investigation raises serious concerns about the IRS's respect for Americans' fundamental civil liberties and the overall stance of the federal government on privacy rights. House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan and Rep. Harriet Hageman firmly believe that the use of AI technology to actively monitor private financial records without legal processes is highly alarming.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Treasury, Justice Department, and IRS for comment on these allegations and the ongoing investigation. The findings of this inquiry are expected to shed light on the scope and legality of the IRS's AI practices and establish whether any corrective action is required to safeguard citizens' privacy rights.