ITinfo: U.S. Citizens Oppose A National ID Database

National ID Database

Not if the masses have anything to say about it

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U.S. Citizens Oppose A National ID Database

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

Even in the face of increased concerns about security throughout the nation, 41 percent of those surveyed oppose a national identification database system that would be able to keep track of both U.S. citizens and visitors. In a recent report, researchers at Garner, Inc., found only 26 percent of respondents favored a national ID database. Today, most U.S. citizens use their state-issued driver's licences as proof of identity.

Calls for a nationwide ID database have increased since September 11th when 19 men, some of whom with assumed identities, crashed four airplanes in the most significant act of terrorism against this country. Many other countries use a central ID system to track both citizens and visitors.

The Gartner survey asked how trustworthy different ID systems were. Respondents rated state-issued driver's licenses below bank and credit cards.

Dave's Opinion

I'm all for increased security; however, I don't want a national ID card system. I was fingerprinted during routine induction processing in the military, and it just didn't feel right. I hadn't given up any of my rights, as happens during criminal processing; however, I felt like I was just another number to the system. Now, working in IT, I'm concerned about the security of information stored in a nationwide database that would be accessible to government officials at all levels.

I might change my mind in the future, but for now, I haven't heard a compelling argument for the security of such a large data bank versus the value that collecting everyone's data into a central pool.

Call for Comments

What do you think? Leave your comments on the message center.

References

Gartner, Inc.
Message Center

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updated March 12, 2002
http://dgl.com/itinfo/2002/it020312.html