Privacy Victory in Sacramento

We have just won a victory for privacy and against biometrics, thanks to many of you!

Thousands of faxes and emails from ACLU of Northern California members were critical in getting the California Legislature to send a letter rejecting the Department of Motor Vehicle's proposal to begin embedding biometric information — face and fingerprint scans — into our drivers' licenses.

The DMV was trying to get permission for this invasive new program by filing an expedited "object within 30 days, or we're moving ahead" budget request. If successful, the DMV would have avoided a proper review by the Legislature and the opportunity for concerned citizens like you and organizations to ensure that the privacy and security of personal information is being protected.

The Legislature is now on the record raising the need to address policy questions and saying that it "should consider policy implications of using biometrics."This is an important step.

Please keep your fingers hovering above your keyboard — this battle will be coming up again during the annual budget hearings that may start as early as March. We will need to be ready to defend personal privacy loudly and clearly once again.

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