That's why I proposed linking to existing services: Google doesn't want to open an office in Podunk, but they could very plausibly setup a way to allow agencies like DMVs, libraries, maybe the VA or post office, notaries, etc. to use some kind of “I attest that person X showed me photo ID matching the information on account Y” web app. This could be really useful paired with things like senior centers whose residents are far more likely to need help.
Not necessarily. The margin is really high on Google services even though they are free.
I don’t know Google well enough to know what they would need to do to offer non-shitty service. Maybe they show more ads.
I also think they could automate good service if they wanted to, but it’s not a priority and they aren’t required. I used financial services before and after CFPB and I don’t remember price increases on my bank accounts. So perhaps something similar would apply here.
I suppose they could be subsidized by the state for low income people.