Virginia Wary Of Computer Chip Cards Packed With Detailed Data
Policymakers in Virginia and some other states are concerned about inadvertent broadcasts of personal data stored on smart cards, and are trying to find a balance between security, privacy, and civil liberties. “We have an obligation as a state to look into the technology that is available…to protect the privacy and security of the citizens of the commonwealth,” says Virginia Del. Kathy Byron, who leads a legislative panel studying “smart” driver’s licenses.
National Sheriffs’ Association board member and Bedford county Sheriff Michael J. Brown says smart licenses provide law enforcement and national security benefits since they are more tamper-resistant than current cards and can allow instant tracking of violations. In addition, they can be excellent in confirming identity and can carry medical data such as allergies and blood types.
Civil libertarians counter that the information on the cards is open to abuse, especially on cards that use a weak radio frequency to send data to wireless card readers; smart licenses are also much more expensive than current cards, and will require new equipment such as card readers.
Although smart drivers license efforts have already been thwarted in Utah, New Jersey, and New Mexico, their potential to provide almost foolproof identity confirmation when used with biometric data offers strong national security benefits.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (10/06/04); Lewis, Bob .