Law created to protect the privacy of Enhanced Driver's License holders

People carrying Washington's Enhanced Driver's Licenses or Identicards (EDLs) can rest a tad easier. While the person-specific, unique identification number on the EDL's EPC Gen2 tag can still be accessed remotely by compatible readers when not at the border, those salivating over the possibilities now have a deterrent. Washington just signed into law a bill that makes it a felony and a violation of the Consumer Protection Act to read and store the EDL's RFID number for any non-border crossing purpose, unless the entity has the cardholder's express knowledge and consent.

Governor Gregoire signed HB2729 into law last Thursday. The bill was enacted due to the support of primary sponsor, Rep. Eddy, the Department of Licensing, and numerous Washingtonians, from technology experts who testified in support of the bill to ACLU members who lobbied their legislators. We've posted a press release with more information.

Washington state is now the first state to put RFID skimming legislation on the books. In addition to HB2729, HB1031 also passed, making it crime to scan an item for the purposes of committing fraud, identity theft or other illegal acts.