[108075] in Cypherpunks
FL stops selling DMV Data; CO, SC continue
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (FitugMix)
Wed Feb 3 12:30:06 1999
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 1999 17:26:50 +0100 (MET)
From: FitugMix <tonne@thur.de>
To: cypherpunks@cyberpass.net
Reply-To: FitugMix <tonne@thur.de>
This From: Associated Press/Newsday.com, Monday February 1, 1999
http://www.newsday.com
Florida Stopped From Selling Data
http://www.newsday.com/ap/rnmpnt0v.htm
By
MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Gov. Jeb Bush on Monday terminated a contract that
would have sold photos and other information on state drivers to a company
that plans to use the data as part of an anti-fraud tool for retailers.
Bush canceled the contract with Image Data Inc. hours after a judge issued
a
temporary injunction ordering the state to stop selling information state
licenses.
``I am personally not comfortable with the state mandating license photos
for the purpose of identifying authorized drivers and then selling those
photos for a profit for a completely different purpose,'' Bush said.
Image Data described its service as an anti-fraud weapon to help retailers
prevent fraudulent check cashing and credit-card charges. The system would
provide retailers with information to assist them in identifying customers.
The Nashua, N.H.-based company has similar contracts with Colorado and
South
Carolina.
The company has set up a pilot program with 10 retailers in South Carolina.
But last week, in response to public outcry, the state sued to have the
photos and other information returned. An injunction hearing is scheduled
this week.
Lorna Christie, a spokeswoman for Image Data, said identity fraud costs
Florida $570 million annually.
Image Data paid Florida $140,000 for demographic information on the
licenses, said Janet Dennis, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Copyright © Associated Press.
