Canadian Smart Licenses Raise Privacy Issues

Samir Syed
by Samir Syed

Here’s a story that proves that incompetence and general apathy isn’t limited to the DMV where Patty & Selma Bouvier earn their living. Starting now, Quebec motorists can offer up $51.97 above the current cost of a driver’s license to obtain what the provincial government is calling “Smart” driver’s licenses. These licenses will come equipped with an RFID chip that can be scanned remotely by US border guards to identify approaching drivers. Introduced by Quebec’s version of a DMV, the SAAQ, these chipped IDs are meant to allow Quebecers to comply with new Department of Homeland Security regulations that require government-issued identification when entering the US by land. Here’s the problem: The (highly personal) information emitted by the RFID can also be read by anyone else who, with $250 and a working knowledge of eBay, can obtain the necessary equipment. To make matters worse, no encryption or security measures were implemented on these “Smart” licenses. Needless to say, it’s an identity thief’s wet dream.

In a study conducted by the Montreal daily, La Presse, a security consultant was able to record information from several nearby licenses, all while driving aimlessly on the highway. According to La Presse: “It only takes one hidden radio to clone anyone’s license.” In the same tests, a security consultant was able to record license information from as far as 15 meters away.

In its response to criticisms that the “Smart” licenses may, just may, create some privacy issues, the SAAQ notes that it provided motorists who’ve applied for the enhancement a special slipcase for the license that blocks all transmissions. You know, except when you take it out to show a US border guard, or a liquor store clerk, or a bank—wait a minute.

In the meantime, former federal Transport Minister and current radio jockey, Jean Lapierre, suggested, in an interview with Montreal’s CJAD 800 AM on May 7, 2009, that Quebecers should apply for a Canadian passport instead, which suits the DHS just fine and doesn’t broadcast any personal information. Since a passport application costs $100, for another $48.03 over the incremental cost of a “Smart” license, you get the ability to actually take a plane somewhere too!

Samir Syed
Samir Syed

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  • R H R H on May 12, 2009

    How hard would it be to have your own radio signal that overpowers any RFID chips near you & gives out false data? Does RFID use a licensed band?

  • Denca1 Denca1 on Sep 02, 2011

    I say that when we all have the chipped cards and our identity gets stolen that we should sue our government for mandating the chipped cards in the first place and the government can pick up the tab of expenses incurred against our name.. Maybe then this will change but enough people have to make this change.

  • EBFlex China can F right off.
  • MrIcky And tbh, this is why I don't mind a little subsidization of our battery industry. If the American or at least free trade companies don't get some sort of good start, they'll never be able to float long enough to become competitive.
  • SCE to AUX Does the WTO have any teeth? Seems like countries just flail it at each other like a soft rubber stick for internal political purposes.
  • Peter You know we’ve entered the age of self driving vehicles When KIAs go from being stolen to rolling away by themselves.
  • Analoggrotto TTAC is full of drug addicts with short memories. Just beside this article is another very beautiful article about how the EV9 was internationally voted by a renowned board of automotive experts who are no doubt highly educated, wealthy and affluent; the best vehicle in entire world. That's planet earth for you numbskulls. Let me repeat: the best vehicle in the world is the Kia EV9. Voted, and sealed, and if you try to deny it Fanny Willis is ready to prosecute you; but she will send her boyfriend instead because she is busy.
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