Google Wallet on Android adds support for three more state IDs
9to5google.com
Following the initial launch last year, Google Wallet now supports Driver’s Licenses and State IDs in three more states: Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia.
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Why is it creepy? Apple is trying to do this with iOS too. I’d love to not need to care my ID now that I barely even need a wallet anymore. Though now that I started using sling backpacks I am back to carrying a wallet more often lol
Right? As if the government doesn’t already have the info on my government-issued ID. As long as it’s stored encrypted and only on-device, then I don’t see what’s creepy.
I don't see it as "creepy", rather "unsafe". Because a phone would be far more brittle and demanding than a simple card or booklet.
A phone is very replaceable. Just buy a new one and log in. No bureaucracy and 3 week wait period while they mail you a new one.
It also simply gives you another option for your ID. You can always use a card as a backup. If cards are the only option, losing your ID can be awful. Storing it in the phone can also store it in “power reserve” so you have access to it hours after your phone loses battery.
To add to the safety, if you lose your ID (especially your passport), it may get found, stolen, then sold. You’re now at risk of identity theft. If you lose your phone, the most someone could do is try to erase everything and sell it as new (that’s very difficult if it’s locked).
If your fear is handing your ID over to a cop vs handing your phone over to a cop, the way these digital IDs work is that the phone never leaves your hand. You tap your phone like you do now to pay. In fact, this can really just be equated to ApplePay or Android Pay. If that’s not creepy, then this isn’t.
If all of that somehow doesn’t sound safer than carrying a card, the card option will still be available and people can just use that.