Privacy Digest

PC World - DHS Privacy Committee Opposes Real ID Bill: "U.S. Department of Homeland Security has joined opposition to the Real ID bill, which would create a national standard for state-issued identification.

A privacy committee of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has joined a growing chorus of voices opposed to the controversial Real ID bill, which proposes to create a national standard for state driver's licenses and other forms of state-issued identification.

In comments submitted to the DHS earlier this week, the department's own Data Privacy & Integrity Advisory Committee called the Real ID Act 'one of the largest identity management undertakings in history' and said it raises serious privacy, security and logistical concerns.

'These include, but are not limited to, the implementation costs, the privacy consequences, the security of stored identity documents and personal information,' the committee noted. It also cited other concerns such as mission creep, redress and fairness issues.

The committee was commenting on a set of draft regulations that the DHS released in March for implementing the requirements of the Real ID Act. The deadline for submitting public comments was Tuesday.

The Real ID Act of 2005, passed as part of a wider effort to combat terrorism, sets minimum national standards that states must use when issuing drivers licenses and other forms of identification. This includes a photo ID, documentation of birth date and address, proof of citizenship or immigration status and verification of Social Security numbers."

(Read Original Article - Via PC World.)