TO: ACLU Action Network Members
\nDT: February 12, 2002<\/p>\n
In response to September 11th, many have started talking about creating
\na national ID system as a counter-terrorism measure. In fact, the
\nAmerican Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is already urging
\nthe federal government to create a national ID system by linking state
\ndrivers licenses and state databases.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, just like the use of Social Security numbers evolved far
\nbeyond its original purpose, a national ID card is likely to lead to a
\nsurveillance society where our movements are monitored and recorded
\nthrough the use of “internal passports.”<\/p>\n
A national ID card would not prevent terrorism, and in fact, would lure
\nus into a false sense of security by enabling individuals with an ID —
\nwho may in fact be terrorists — to avoid heightened security measures.
\nThe creation of a national ID would be a misplaced “quick fix” that
\nwould pose serious threats to our freedom and privacy.<\/p>\n