Gov. James Douglas is now head of the National Governors Association. At the group’s meeting this week in Biloxi, Miss., he heard complaints from other governors about why the federal REAL ID initiative is not a good idea. He’s coming around to their way of thinking.
Indeed, 24 states are on record as saying REAL ID is a bad idea, and shouldn’t be implemented. (Vermont is not one of those 24 states, although the Vermont House did pass an anti-REAL ID resolution two years ago.)
REAL ID is the effort to standardize U.S. drivers’ licenses, essentially creating massive databases with highly personal identification information stored in them. It’s an identity thief’s dream come true.
An alternative to REAL ID is now being floated — “PASS ID.” It’s no more viable than REAL ID, however. It contains many of Real ID`s problems, and in some cases makes them worse:
• PASS ID would impose the United States` first-ever national identity card system, which would violate privacy by helping to consolidate data and facilitate tracking. After a five-year hiatus to allow for implementation, PASS ID would be required for boarding airplanes in the same manner as Real ID. Its use would likely expand to other activities.
• PASS ID mandates that all identity source documents be copied physically or digitally and retained as long as the license is valid. By creating troves of sensitive documents on millions of individuals, this provision creates a treasure trove for identity thieves.
• PASS ID would allow the use of radio RFID chips, an insecure technology that holds strong potential for tracking individuals` movements.
• While PASS ID makes some concessions for the security of domestic violence victims, it still requires victims to get approval from the state before they can shield their identity.
We need a system that does not endanger Americans` privacy and civil liberties. The path to such a system is through negotiated rulemaking, a process that was underway before REAL ID was fast-tracked through Congress. Stakeholders are best able to hash out wise and realistic improvements to driver`s licenses.
The Los Angeles Times recently had a solid editorial on the push for ID systems. Its conclusion? They’re not going to work the way people want them to. Check it out.