“Strong identity strength with face verification was released within the myGovID app last month. If you have automatic updates set up in your device and you’ve previously verified your Australian passport, you may have already noticed the option to ‘Verify your photo’,” the ATO said.

“In coming weeks, a ‘prompted update’ of the myGovID app will be required for all devices and all users will have the opportunity to set up a strong identity strength. You can also manually update your myGovID app in your app store to access these features sooner.”

To set up a strong myGovID you need to verify an Australian passport, at least one other identity document, and your photo, according to the ATO.

This one-off face verification process scans your face to check that you’re a real person, the right person and verifying in real-time.

“Where you’ve previously verified your Australian passport, photo and at least one other identity document, your identity strength will automatically be increased from standard to strong. You can find your identity strength in ‘My identity’ or on the dashboard of your myGovID app,” the ATO explained.

“Setting up a strong identity strength better protects your identity and will allow you to access more government services as they move online.”

“Verifying your photo and strong identity strength continue to be optional new features, and do not change the way you access services. If you do not wish to set up a strong myGovID, ignore the verification options and proceed to online services.”