By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Digital IDs have gone live in Illinois, but libertarians say the move makes it easier for governments to track people.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced in Chicago Tuesday that Illinois would join 12 other states and the territory of Puerto Rico by offering driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet to their residents.

Giannoulias said, starting Wednesday, Illinoisans will be able to add their state-issued ID directly to their Apple Wallet.

“And this is just the beginning, the first step in bringing mobile IDs to the state of Illinois,” the secretary promised.

Giannoulias said the mobile ID program would soon expand to Google and Samsung Wallets.

Libertarian Party of Illinois Chairman Jim Humay said digital IDs represent a significant expansion of government power.

“It’s on a path to kind of create a centralized database of personal information, which of course makes it easier for governments to track everyone’s movements, transactions,” Humay told The Center Square.

Giannoulias thanked state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort, for moving mobile ID legislation in House Bill 4592 sponsored by state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, through the Illinois Senate in 2024. The secretary also thanked state Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, for helping to bring the technology through the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

According to Giannoulias, the initiative enables Illinoisans to present their driver’s license and state ID in Apple Wallet in person, online and in apps at select businesses and organizations, including Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at over 250 U.S. airports, including O’Hare, Midway and Lambert.

In addition, Giannoulias said mobile IDs would help close gaps minors have exploited with fake IDs in order to illegally purchase alcoholic beverages.

“We believe in following the law,” Giannoulias said.

The secretary insisted that mobile IDs offer privacy and security along with convenience.

“Unlike a physical ID, your mobile ID updates in real time. Apple and our office don’t track when or where you use it. Your privacy is protected by design. You also never need to show or hand over your device to present your ID. Your ID and device always stay with you,” Giannoulias explained.

The Secretary of State’s office provides instructions on how to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet at www.ilsos.gov/mobile.

Humay expressed concerns about privacy and security.

“Government bureaucracy in the past has not proven to be the most secure when it comes to hacking or data leaks,” Humay said.

Last year, Giannoulias’ office notified some Illinois residents of a data security incident which may have exposed names, driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers.

Humay said there are private alternatives to secure digital IDs, adding that digital IDs are a step on the slippery slope to state control.

“I know they said they’re not tracking, but they certainly would have ability to in the future. That technology is there,” Humay said.

Humay admitted that digital IDs could be a way of reducing the size of government.

“But if they did that, it would be the first time,” he said.