The Real ID card: the machine readable you

If only it were some dystopian fiction, but the Senate is slated to pass the Real ID Act next week, which specifies that by 2008 all Americans who want to enjoy privileges such as bank accounts and air travel will be issued what will most likely be RFID-enabled ID cards (Homeland Security hasn't completely decided which machine readable technology they'll use, but they're leaning heavily towards RFID since the chips are already going to be used in our passports). The card will likely take the place of your driver's license and will store at the very minimum your name, birthdate, sex, ID number, a digital photograph and address, with the possibility of additional data such as a fingerprint or retinal scan. State DMVs will be receiving federal funds to hand over their databases, with the goal of making each state's data available to all other states. The House passed the measure on Thursday, and both the Senate and President Bush are expected to sign off on the bill next week. But the real question is, who will be the first to ask to have the chip implanted so they don't have to worry about forgetting their wallet?

[NBK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

But the real question is, who will be the first to ask to have the chip implanted so they don’t have to worry about forgetting their wallet?

I'll take it.

[Sam Klinger @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Actually I read that the RFID tags would not be used in passports because of the risk abraod.

[zachary @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Thats it, I'm moving to DVD region 4.

[jmg_bt21 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

God giveth free will...
and FEDERAL Government taketh away...

After all, THEY know what is best for me... is this the price for freedom?

[Mike M @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

So any bets on how long until it's hacked and you can reprogram it so "die pig scum" comes up when officer Joe scans your license?

This is just going too far. These idiots in congress are not fully understanding the security implications of doing this. Anyone that can read a webpage (http://cq.cx/prox.pl) could steal your identity. I've been tollerant to a lot of privacy issues up until now, but you can bet your ass you will not find me carrying one of these cards. Until it's been hacked of course.

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Which group of American citizens is asking for this, really?

[petro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Identity theft, here we come...

[Best place for this @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Ironically, USA is the place where this will get abused the most. From what I've seen, there are very few privacy laws in the states and most of the shopping there is done at chain stores: supermarkets, department stores, franchised restaurants, etc. Real soon, all these merchants will make people produce their ID card for any and all purchases. "You don't have your card or don't want to produce it? Fair enough, we're a private business and we chose not to sell you anything, move along." There are so few mom and pop stores left that you'll have no choice.

This way, your information will be recorded by every store you deal with. At best, this'll lead to tons of spam (since they all have a recorded business relationship with you). At worst, you'll have no privacy. They'll know everything you buy and who your friends and acquaintances are. You had coffee with a friend of friend who later raped someone? Expect a visit from the law. You bought a novel whose plot revolved around a religion similar to Islam? Expect trouble travelling...

[Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

#7 you are bang on. I'm Canadian and am lucky enough to avoid the Orwellian world the USA is becoming.....for now anyways. Best of luck to all you yankees. Voice your opinion, it may not realistically do much at the moment, but for history's sake, it shows that you guys weren't all sitting around picking your collective noses while this sorta thing goes down. Be safe, and if all is lost, move up here! And when USA invades Canada we'll hide in the trees and dance with wolves! IN TREES!

[Charles @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Great points 4, 5 and 7! Question is, what will they do once they do realize how insecure this technology is? Will they boost the security? Can they? What's next, implants in the right hand or forehead (eh?)?

[Pat @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Well, there goes fake id's for kids under 21...i moving antartica...

[John Jorsett @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

So, is the objection that this ID records its info in machine-readable digital form? The mag strip on the back of mine already does that. Is the problem that this ID is harder to fake? If so, what's the reason you'd want an ID that's more easily falsified? Is it that the states are going to be encouraged to consolidate their databases? I've got news for you: private companies have already done that. They've purchased the state databases, digitized them (including biometric data from your picture), and make them available for a fee. Las Vegas casinos love it for determining the identities of who's gambling in their places. Big Brother government, when it wants to know all about you, can, and does, buy that same info. And if you're worried about identity theft from someone scanning your license from a distance, a fairly far-fetched scenario, wrap it with foil.

Real ID doesn't worry me. I'd be more concerned with the US becoming like the UK, a country burying itself in surveillance cameras. That's the real Big Brother scenario to me, when it becomes possible to track and records one's every movement.

[Eirik @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

I've really never seen a convincing reason against national ID cards. ID theft? Pft, that happens now with ease, I honestly don't see how a national ID card will change that. Private business using it? Large stores are subject to boycotts. If a large chain like Safeway started to demand them, and they lost customers, they'd stop, pronto. They already have workable loyalty cards, why risk it.

BTW, could the data be encrypted so only state agencies could use it? Or perhaps done in such a way as to leave data encrypted, but allow shopkeepers to scan it just to make sure its valid? Not imparting any information other than a thumbs up or down?

[Asher @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Has anyone ever actually seen the idiots who staff our gov't offices? They will use whatever technology the vendor who kisses their ass best sells them. These cards will only lead to corporate attacks (more than now) on the individual. And our gov't is inept at doing anything about this. Sadly, the mass populace will go along, never looking into this any more than what the media tells them. The Constitution does not state that we need to carry any ID. Nor is there a penalty for it. I'd like to keep it that way. The only threat I feel is from the ignorance and arrogance within.

[ben @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Im moving to Europe....Fuck the USA

[Funny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

"Large stores are subject to boycotts. If a large chain like Safeway started to demand them, and they lost customers, they'd stop, pronto. They already have workable loyalty cards, why risk it."

Let's not be naive. Of course Safeway won't start this unilaterally, there'd be no advantage to them anyway. The 5 or 6 chains in your city will get together and implement ID-scanning simultaneously, with the full support of law enforcement. Boycott them all if you want, you don't have mom and pop stores anymore to sell you frozen pizza or pop-tarts.

"BTW, could the data be encrypted so only state agencies could use it? Or perhaps done in such a way as to leave data encrypted, but allow shopkeepers to scan it just to make sure its valid?"

Other countries have privacy laws that explicitly make the government agencies do this, and even prevent them from sharing any info at all with others. Not in US. There's no incentive for the state agencies to do this and of course, "in this world we live in, it's better to share the information, you know to prevent tayrrism and all." ;-)

[NC Student @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Can anyone say, "Big Brother is Watching You?"

[No fear @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

It's a shame, we're giving up our freedom and our privacy based on a collective and institutionalized paranoia. Terrorists win, citizens lose.

Don't fear your foes, fear your friends, because they know all about you.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". Benjamin Franklin.

[mr.karmalicious @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

The Beginning of the End. And we're powerless.

"IT's the terrerrrrisss's! We neeeeed too prodect Amuricuh!!!!!!"

/bush

[knayte @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Hey now, this isn't just a Dubya or a Republican thing, here. It passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives. Which means, simply, that there are quite a lot of power-hungry dicks in Congress, be they Democrat or Republican(THIS JUST IN!).

Anyway, here's a well-written dissent on the issue from Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX).

http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2005/tst021405.htm

"A national ID card will have the same effect as gun control laws: criminals will ignore it, while law abiding people lose freedom. A national ID card offers us nothing more than a false sense of security, while moving us ever closer to a police state. The national ID proposal should die a well-deserved death in the Senate, and it should be denounced as authoritarian and anti-American."

[Bryan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

I don't understand what everyone's beef is. Your current drivers license is easily hackable (color copier and some laminating supplies). But try hacking your state DMV's database ... now that's a horse of a different color!

Those complaining of retailers keeping your identity info on file. Uhm, hate to tell you, but it's easily done right *now*. Or don't you use loyalty cards, crdit cards, debit cards? Have you ever looked at the checks you write? They have your name, phone number, home address, and possibly drivers license number printed in the upper left hand corner. Retailers have been able to track this information at their whim for decades, and you weren't complaining then were you?

So, uh ... again, what's the problem? Adding a digital component to your ID card, along with the ability to validate against a central point, should make it *harder* to steal your identity, not easier.

I'm not Big Brother - I'm just trying to understand what I lose out of the deal? Be specific now - these general handwaves about Big Brother and terrorism aren't cutting it.

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

#20 You need to go read up on this if you can't tell the difference between this and a loyalty card.

I supposed the biggest difference is that its not optional unlike a loyalty card (which i don't use btw). You WILL have one of these if you plan to drive. You will be in a massive database that is being used by god knows who for god knows what. Your information can be shared with Mexico and/or Canada. It basically turns this country into nazi germany where you can't do anything without your "papers".

In addition it gives the homeland security department the ability to add additonal stuff to the card like retinal scans or fingerprints if he deems it necessary. The requirement to have something like RFID is spooky too since this can be read off the card at a distance and potentially be used to track your movements as well.

On top of all that 1984ish crap it won't do a damn thing to secure the borders or stop terrorists. I really find it funny how the govt thinks more info is what they needed to stop 9/11. What they needed was more analysis, they had several pieces of info that pointed to something significant happening on that day but they weren't analyzed until after the fact.

[LZ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Holy shit its the mark of the beast...the 2nd coming is at hand...

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

sorry, meant #21 not #20

[Finishing.Law.School @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

i think i read something vaguely familiar in a book titled 1984 but i am not sure, that was a long time ago...

[James Mata @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

By this time the police will have RFID readers. They will be able to read all that is in your house,car clothing, you name it its out there. The question is can we stop this? You know RFID chips are in product at Wal Mart and soon all other stores where we buy. Everyone must make a stance one way or the other. There are so many free blogging spots to voice. Tell friends! Tell all to stand up to this MANDATE!

RFID System Keeps Track of Evidence

With an RFID-based evidence-tracking system already being tested by law officials, Pro Squared says it will launch an expanded version by early 2006.
By Jonathan Collins

Feb. 23, 2005�Building on an RFID-based system being tested by Indiana's state arson investigators, RFID Start Pro Squared says it will deliver an RFID-based evidence-tracking system ready for deployment by federal, state and local law officials by early next year. RFID will offer significant benefits over bar code labels that many police departments currently use to track evidence, according to Pro Squared.

Join ZombieWire RFID consumer News to alert people. We know where this is all going anyway, Jump on board now! James from http://www.zomebiewire.com

ASK YOUR SELF, ARE WE REALLY FREE?

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

You picture associated with the article looks very like a security label my wife recently found on a bottle of coconut oil. The oil had solidified after a cold flight in the hold of a passenger jet. She decided to put the bottle in the microwave in order to soften the oil. She was very surprised when, as soon as she switched the microwave on, the label burst into flame and filled the kithchen with smoke. (The oil was OK though.) So I would guess that many RFID chips are going to be vulnerable to moderately strong radio transmitters working at a suitable range of frequencies.
Also, anyone with an ounce of malice is going to have a lot of fun popping ID cards into a microwave oven, and making people non-citizens at the flick of a switch.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

This is Big Brother's wet dream! Now they don't have to place a tracking device on everyone, they'll be carrying it voluntarily!

[anon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

You can fight it here.

http://www.unrealid.com/

[Rev2212 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Interesting not only is this evil and takes away our rights as Americans but its leading up to something alot worse than our rights being brainwashed out of our hands .........

The MARK of the beast

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a MARK in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the MARK, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Rev. 13:16-18

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his MARK in his forehead, or in his hand, Rev. 14:9

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the MARK of his name. Rev. 14:11

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his MARK, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev 15:2

And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the MARK of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. Rev. 16:2

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the MARK of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev. 19:20

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his MARK upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4

more here :
http://www.av1611.org/666/whatis.html

"Would u consider yourself to be a "good person? Good enough to go to Heaven?"
find out www.needGod.com

"But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Joshua 22:5 KJB)

"Men often stumble on the Truth, but usually dust themselves off & hurry away..." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965) (not saying he was a good guy just a good quote)

--------------------------------------
Free Book:
"Final Warning"
(A History of the New World Order)
http://members.localnet.com/~darivera/

[dick bush @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

They have already softened some people up by "offering" the "I-PASS" in Illinois where if you don't have one you pay double. A nice side effect of the device is that you are trackable. The trick to RFID is to wrap the device in aluminum foil, and it cannot be read.

Sure, if I am "required" to get the national id, I can always just keep it wrapped in foil while I go about my business. If you need to show it, just unwrap, use, and rewrap. Or, you can accidently microwave it!

[Little Sparrow @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

2. I believe RFID is already in US passports

5. Hacking the ID cards will be tantamount to economic terrorism. You will have no rights at your trial.

9. I believe Canada is working on their own National ID plan. Amigo.

15. Europe is definitely working on their own ID system.

21. When a safeway employee sells your finger prints to a fake ID maker in China, call me.

22. Anyones who has had their prints taken (scanned) will already have them in their card when issued. So they can scan your hand at each sale.
http://www.google.com/search?q=IAFIS+NICS+gun+queries


23 & 30. You are not foolin'.
http://www.antichristid.com

[Michael Pellerin (Princeton, New Jersey) @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Real I.D. is a Farce

When you renew your driver's license, who authenticates your proof of identity? What document forensics training did they get? The answers to these questions really do matter.

In the state of New Jersey, we have six point system where certain types of bearer-specific documents are given 1 to 3 points each. When I presented my Louisiana Birth Certificate to a cute, shy twenty-something reading a book behind the counter at the Division of Motor Vehicles, she looked at it and said, `WOW, its so big!' I asked if she had ever seen a Louisiana Birth Certificate before and she said, `in the two years i've worked here, no.'

After handing her a credit union cash deposit receipt, she held it up to the light and handed it back to me after a quick glance. I asked what she was looking for as she checked it. She advised - things like `funny markings that don't look right, eraser marks.'

The final `proof' of identiy I presented was my social security card. After a quick glance and a smile, she slid it back across the counter to me, without even picking it up.

I was impressed with her ability to conduct a diligent forensics exam of my three forms of I.D. before taking my picture, afixing it to, and handing me my new `Real I.D.'

When one is given a `Real I.D.,' either by the state Division of Motor Vehicles, or what ever other governmental office gets into the act of distribute them, the bearer is then free to go out and obtain other forms of identification, and gain inappropriate access (ie: an airline seat) predicated upon a `Real I.D.,' obtained from an `official' who was not qualified (in forensics document analysis) to discern the authenticity of any of the documents given them as proof of identification.

This isn't rocket science folks. Now who is kidding who here?

And when did a `Real Driver's License' ever force a driver to drive under the speed limit? I have nine points on my driver's license, and I earned every one of them. An accomplishment not possible without a `Real Driver's License.'

New Jersey has a lot of financial institutions - banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and a multitude of investment firms offering savings accounts, each of which generate and give you a statement, every time you make a deposit. My credit union has only a few thousand members, and its not even located in the county inwhich I went to renew my driver's license. I wonder what authentication template she compared my barely legible cash deposit receipt against? When asked, she confessed that she never heard of my credit union.

To authenticate a twenty, fifty, or hundred dollar bill, one can hold it up to a light and look for the verticle bar imbeded to the side of the off centered portrait. In examining my social security card, she didn't even pick it up off the counter before sliding it back to me.

So much for `Real I.D.'

Now how many people think an alcoholic with a `Real I.D.' is going to stop driving under the influence because they're carrying a `Real I.D.' in their wallet? Convince just one of the 40,000 motorists in this country who are going to lose their lives over the next twelve months on America's highways that the `Real I.D.' is going to diminsh the carnage, or spare one of them a trip to an early grave. Thats 40,000 individuals per year folks, and what has congress and law enforcement done to curb it? Their called acceptable losses, the price we pay for a free society.

The terrorist highjackers who gave us 9/11, couldn't have done it without a `Real Visa' issued by the rocket scientists in the employ of our Departments of State and Immigration and Naturalization Service. With government talent like them, who needs terrorists?

Proponents of the `Real I.D.' are at best naive, and more likely simple minded. But in America, stupidity remains God given, and constitutionally protected.

/s/ Mike Pellerin (Princeton, New Jersey)

[norebonomis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

america! redifining freedom!

[sensai67 @ Nov 22nd 2007 11:10AM]

rebellion, love and faith will guide us through. These things that are taking form will come to pass and we must be diligent and not afraid. We must remember that this is the coming of a new age and thought it will come through great tribulation we will see a new age and new type of thought where love abounds and god and the christ consciousness is king. fear not because fear is not real...
love is!

[uzairnisar @ Jan 3rd 2006 12:15AM]

yes