Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a new law enabling residents to obtain digital versions of their driver’s licenses or state IDs, making Illinois the 12th state to formally adopt mobile ID technology.
The digital ID will serve as a convenient companion to the physical card but will not replace it. Residents must still present a physical license upon request by state agents or law enforcement.
The law goes into effect on January 1, 2025, and allows the state to charge a maximum of $6 for a smartphone application to register the digital ID.
The new legislation has been designed with privacy concerns in mind, and includes specific provisions that prevent law enforcement from searching or accessing any data on an individual’s phone when presented with a digital ID, except in cases in which a search warrant is issued. The provision aims to protect residents’ privacy while providing necessary information to law enforcement, businesses, and medical professionals.
The law also enables the Secretary of State’s office to begin the process of selecting vendors for digital ID production. The digital IDs will include a barcode, which will allow residents to provide identification without handing over their phones to officers during traffic stops.
While the bill has received support from Democratic sponsors who emphasize its convenience, some Republicans have raised concerns about the adequacy of safeguards to protect private information. Despite these concerns, the bill passed both the state Senate and House and was signed into law by Pritzker as part of a package of over 100 bills.
Pritzker also recently signed into law a significant amendment to the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The amendment reduces potential liability for businesses by counting multiple instances of collecting the same biometric identifier from the same person as a single violation, rather than multiple violations. The change follows a controversial Illinois Supreme Court decision and aims to address concerns from businesses regarding the financial burden of BIPA compliance.
The amendment also validates the use of electronic consent for biometric data collection, including online “clickwrap” agreements.
Sources: 5 On Your Side, WAND, WTVO/WQRF
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August 14, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy and Alex Perala
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