Ontario’s Photo Card Act, 2008 received Royal Assent in November and it allows the Ministry of Transportation to issue three new types of photo cards in an attempt to provide more effective security measures post 911 :
1. A basic photo card-Includes the holders name, photograph and other info issued to any resident of Ontario who does not have a valid driver’s licence;
2. An enhanced photo card-Same as above with other features including an implanted RFID (which stands for Radio Frequency Identification for those confused by yet another acronym), that will allow it to be used for travel;
3. A combined photo card that includes everything in #2 as well as replaces your drivers licence.
Use of any of these cards is optional, however those possessing any of the above cards will be subject to duties of carrying it, presenting it or surrending it (similar to your drivers licence now). The Act permits the Ministry to share your card information with other provincial and federal agencies in Canada.
When crossing the border, those who would have one of the travel cards listed above, would hold the card up and the RFID-enabled card would be read by border officials using a reader from a distance of 10 metres or more.
Sound good?
According to some critics such as Ann Cavoukian, Ontario’s information and Privacy Commissioner, this process is open to potential risks such as skimming, eavesdropping and cloning since unauthorized and low cost RFID readers in the vicinity can receive information emited by the card. Dr. Cavoukian stresses that even a Faraday sleeve (a holder for the card) that would protect the card during non-use is not sufficient protection. She also feels that although the information stored on the RFID would only consist of a unique chip that would allow access to a database where personal information would be stored, these are insufficient measures to protect the owner of the card from possible criminal intent.
How do you feel about this? Will you be taking advantage of this latest technology?
Source: www.privacyscan.ca
