February 8, 2008

Anti-Domestic Violence Groups Say REAL ID Could Harm Survivors

Every year, about 1,000 domestic violence victims legally change their Social Security numbers in an attempt to elude people who may pose threats, and many more change their legal names, according to figures compiled by advocacy groups. But hiding from stalkers may become more difficult under a federal law called the Real ID Act that's scheduled to take effect on May 11. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new regulations mandate specific standards for what personal information states must print on the face of Real ID drivers licenses and encode on their machine-readable zones. Although there's some consideration for people who qualify for special confidentiality treatment, critics argue the protections don't go far enough.

Real ID worries domestic violence groups, CNet News.com, February 8, 2008.