March 13, 2008 - Legislation aimed at preventing identity theft and protecting the privacy of Oklahoma's citizens has passed the Oklahoma Senate. Senate Bill 1745, sponsored by Sen. Randy Bass, D-Lawton, won unanimous approval.

The legislation seeks to end the practice of electronically swiping digital driver licenses and capturing the detailed information contained on them to use for marketing purposes. That data is supposed to be used only for public safety purposes, according to Bass.

"Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in this country, and new technology keeps making it easier for criminals to steal your personal information," Bass said. "Someone can ask to see your driver license as proof of age, and before you realize it, they've scanned all of your information with a small, portable device."

Bass said that often occurs in bars, when representatives of tobacco companies offer free samples, but ask to see the person's driver license first. The information is then scanned and used in direct marketing. There currently is no law against the practice.

"I think this practice just demonstrates how easy it is to scan someone's license without their knowledge and use that information for identity theft," Bass said. "My legislation would make it a misdemeanor to scan a license and to sell or store the data collected."

SB 1745's supporters include the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Hospital Association, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Oklahoma Parent Teacher Association, AARP and others.

The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.

Note: When posting a comment, please sign-in first if you want a response. If you are not registered, click here. Registration is easy and free.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.