http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/05/19/national-id-law-a-big-brother-nightmare/National ID Law a Big Brother Nightmare
by James Parks, May 19, 2007
Two years ago, congressional Republicans railroaded through legislation to create a massive national ID system, which many say lacks adequate security or privacy safeguards. Now a broad coalition of more than 40 organizations, including the AFL-CIO, is working to repeal the law.
Under the Real ID Act, U.S. residents will need a federally approved ID card to travel on an airplane, open a bank account, collect Social Security payments or take advantage of nearly any government service.
States will be required to check their citizens’ identification papers, and driver’s licenses likely will be reissued to comply with Department of Homeland Security requirements. As a result, opponents say, the law could create a bureaucratic nightmare with long lines, repeat trips and higher fees for individuals trying to get licenses and IDs. The rules go into effect in May 2008.
The problems of a national ID system became more apparent in March when the Department of Homeland Security issued draft Real ID regulations. The rules would require that the home addresses and personal information of drivers be included on their licenses in a two-dimensional barcode without encryption. Retail stores, banks and other businesses could easily access your home address and personal information when they skim your driver’s license. That would make the IDs especially vulnerable to identity theft.
FULL story at link.