Local Representative addresses concerns over real ID and surveillance technology

Concerns over surveillance and personal privacy took center stage during the Family and Veterans' Services Committee meeting on May 6, 2025, as a committee member raised alarms about the reluctance of constituents to obtain Real IDs. The discussion highlighted the minimal difference between Real IDs and non-Real IDs, which is simply one additional piece of mail.

The committee member emphasized that while facial recognition technology is used in the Real ID process, it is also prevalent in everyday life, particularly in urban areas. "Every time you walk along a lot of major streets in large cities, there's facial recognition taking place," they noted, pointing out that this technology is not limited to government use but also involves private companies and social media platforms.

The conversation took a more alarming turn as the member warned about the risks associated with popular apps like TikTok, suggesting that users unknowingly share sensitive information with foreign entities. "Are you prepared to give your bank information to China?" they asked, urging attendees to reconsider their digital habits and protect their personal data.

The discussion underscored a broader concern about the balance between individual rights and government surveillance. The committee member argued that while people worry about government data collection, they often overlook the extensive information shared through everyday technology. "When we're worried about the little things and we don't know we've exposed ourselves to the rest of their lives, we're worrying about the wrong things," they concluded, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of personal privacy in the digital age.

As the meeting wrapped up, the implications of these discussions left attendees contemplating the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly monitored world.