A contractor working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was reportedly fired after leaking confidential taxpayer data related to immigrants. The individual, identified as Billy Long, had connections to former President Donald Trump.
According to reports, Long shared sensitive information with media organisations, raising serious concerns about privacy and data security within the IRS. The breach has sparked outrage among advocacy groups and lawmakers.
Details of the Data Leak
The leaked data allegedly included taxpayer details of immigrants, some of whom may have been undocumented. The information was reportedly used in news stories that sought to highlight tax payments by non-citizens.
An IRS spokesperson confirmed that Long was terminated following an internal investigation. "The IRS takes data security extremely seriously," the spokesperson said. "Any unauthorised disclosure of taxpayer information is unacceptable and will result in immediate action."
Political Connections Under Scrutiny
Long’s ties to Trump have drawn attention, with critics questioning whether political motivations played a role in the leak. Long had previously worked on campaigns aligned with Trump’s policies.
Democrats in Congress have called for a full investigation into the incident, arguing that taxpayer data must remain protected regardless of political agendas. "This is a blatant violation of trust," said one lawmaker. "We need accountability."
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debates over immigration policy and the handling of sensitive government data. Privacy advocates warn that such leaks could deter immigrants from filing taxes, even if they are legally required to do so.
Meanwhile, the IRS has pledged to review its protocols to prevent future breaches. "We are committed to ensuring the confidentiality of all taxpayer information," the agency stated.
