Bad DL Pictures Least of Drivers Worry
June 27th, 2008 by flanewsThere are concerns the state’s drivers license database may not be safe in coming months. The company that makes Florida drivers licenses is up for sale and it could go to a French corporation. As Whitney Ray tells us, the Department of Motor Vehicles says they will keep your personal information under lock and key.
Hear it Here: Florida Drivers License Contract Could Go Overseas, Drives Worry Security
For many Floridians the biggest fear when getting a new drivers license is taking a bad picture. Digimarc, an Oregon company, makes the equipment that makes Florida’s ID’s, but the company’s on the market, and a French firm could buy it, raising fears that private information will be shipped overseas.
“It concerns me,” said Gainesville native Lee Gordon.
“It doesn’t look safe,” said Behdad Azadi
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles says drivers have nothing to fear. The DMV says it keeps a close eye on people’s personal information and no matter who buys the company that information will stay in the state. Federal law requires drivers license information be kept under lock and key.
“We’re very sensitive about the fact that privacy is very important. The Driver Privacy Protection Act at the Federal and State levels have a lot of precautions in there and we’re very sensitive to that,” said Dave Westberry, with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
State employees are responsible for recording personal information. It’s the equipment that’s outsourced. Whoever buys Digimarc would take over the cameras, LCD pads, and printers, not Florida’s driver database. The French firm isn’t the only company interested in buying Digimarc. There’s also another US corporation showing interest. The DMV says it will reexamine its contract when the company is sold.
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