Speaking purely as an observer: My faith in you, the people of america, couldn't be lower. So I still think you fuck this up somehow
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Transportation recently unveiled plans for a digital driver’s license (dDL) app to allow drivers to carry and display their driver’s license on a mobile device such as smartphones.While the concept is forward-thinking and might well be the first in the country to offer the service, Iowa is no stranger to apps replacing cards. The state already permits digital proof of insurance.The driver’s license app is slated for release in 2015.While the app is still in development, the DOT says it anticipates that a dDL user would be issued a secure PIN that allows the app to be downloaded. Personal biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition would then be used to control access to the app in order to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the information.Further, the app is anticipated to utilize 3D, moving imagery, time-based digital encryption and other features to prevent screen-scraping or other copying. The department also expects the credentials will be validated and electronically verified with the Iowa DOT each time the app is opened.Initially, the app will be distributed to a small, controlled group of users —whom will likely be Iowa DOT or other state employees with state-issued phones — to test it before a wide release to the public. Following that, the dDL will first be offered in lieu of — or in addition to — the paper interim document customers currently receive. The pilot is expected to cost less than $50,000; full implementation costs have not yet been determined.Iowa drivers have an option not to utilize the dDL service. The DOT will still produce traditional hard licenses with customers having a choice of carrying one or both on them. The DOT opted for the digital app because it “is important to be responsive to the way customers want to receive and use services, carry information and credentials and the devices they want to use to do so.”...Crystal Larson, who resides in Spencer, Iowa, was not in favor of the new technology. She questioned if the digital copy would be accepted as identification in bars or other settings. A traditional copy would still need to be carried.“I think it’s dumb,” Larson said, “(I’m) not against it. I think it’s a waste of time and energy on something that only benefits a small populations. … It’s rather pointless to go through the hassle to pay someone to set it up.” Courtney Unrau of Arnolds Park, Iowa, questioned — as did Larson — what may happen if a phone or smart device wasn’t working or charged properly. “I think it’s a good option if that’s what you want to do, but I’m not in the business of believing it should be mandatory,” Unrau said. “Plus, what happens if your phone died or if it breaks?”Wendi Ballew of Ocheyedan, Iowa, worried about privacy and security.“We all know that anything you put up online is out there for good — for anyone to find and use,” she said. “Making licenses digital just puts all of your incredibly personal info out there. I would feel very paranoid having something like a license become digital.”Jewel Garms, who lives in Round Lake and works in Ocheyedan, was in favor of the app and said she’d likely use it.“I probably would (use a dDL),” Garms said. “I use the application when flying so you don’t have to worry about paper passes, so yes, I would. And I’m sure they would have proper security in place to protect our identity. “If anyone wants to hack you and get your information, they probably have plenty of avenues in place already.”
Branstad, who conducted a series of budget hearings on Monday for a host of state agencies in preparation for the 2015 legislative session, marveled at the DOT's plans. He noted that even Iowa children are now working on digital development projects.The new app should be highly secure, Trombino said. People will use a pin number for verification."Having this really allows people to protect their identify," he added, suggesting the technology could be expanded for other types of state licenses.Iowa is already one of more than 30 states that allow motorists to show electronic proof of insurance during a traffic stop. Rather than digging through clutter in your glove compartment for an insurance card, you can simply hand the law enforcement officer your mobile phone.Trombino said it's only logical for the Iowa DOT to develop a mobile driver's license app as more and more Iowans rely on their smartphones to conduct routine business. He pointed to the watch on his wrist as one example of a device that many younger Iowans have replaced by using their smartphones.
The license scanners are integrated with computers in patrol cars.“We’d have to take the phone back to the squad car to scan it,” said Sgt. Scott Bright, the public information officer for the Iowa State Patrol.
I'm sure it's just a coincidence that if you hand over your phone, you're not recording them with it.
