The purpose of the ITIN is that people who don't have an SSN or don't meet the requirements to obtain it, can comply with the tax laws of the United States.
Additionally, it serves to provide a way to efficiently process and account for the tax returns and payments of these individuals.
The ITIN is also required when starting accounts in online platforms such like Stripe, the most famous online payments processing gateway, and in marketplaces, like Amazon, the ITIN will be also required for fiscal control.