Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT): “The long-range or “vicinity” Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology chosen by the Departments of Homeland Security and State for government-issued ID documents poses serious risks to personal privacy and security, CDT testified today before a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee. CDT recommended that DHS and State abandon the technology, which was originally developed to track things, not people, and that encryption be used to protect a citizen’s unique ID number. CDT also urged Congress to support legislation or regulations banning unauthorized “skimming” of RFID chips and prohibiting use of the passport card and Enhanced Driver’s License beyond border security.”

• Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs , Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Hearing on The Impact of Implementation: A Review of the REAL ID Act and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, 4/29/08
• CDT Prepared Statement, April 29, 2008
• CDT Written Testimony, April 29, 2008