Minnesota Passes One Of The Strictest Data Privacy Laws

In the United Stated, security breaches and data leak have become a daily risk: shopping, banking, flights.. almost everything today demands personal information. And Minnesota has decided to go forward in two things that  look completely opposite: reinforcing data privacy and habilitating digital licenses.

Yes, it sound contrary, for them, digital ID is more safe than a piece of plastic.

The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, has been effective since July 31. This allows the users ask to websites and companies to delete their data. With this, the states is looking to reduce the volumen of susceptible information  that could be filtered or sold, and this way minimise future security breaches danger.

Attorney General Keith Ellison announced: “Today’s a good day because your privacy is on lock with this law.”

Another directive from the privacy sector noted the new law aligns Minnesota other 18 jurisdictions that already offer integral protection to the consumer, despite the debate over a “patchwork” of state rules. The state now adapting to a standard that gives the citizens more tools to control their digital footprint.

Minnesota House File 1335: taking the leap to the digital driver’s license

In parallel, the Minnesota House File 1335 propose to allow the electronic driver’s licenses as a valid identification form. It won’t replace the physical one but to does authorize using it in mobile day-to-day situations.

But why would this be less dangerous?  Joe Lohmeier, responsable for this project put it this way: “Handing over a physical credential today hands over all your private data. Your name, address, date of birth, height, weight, everything. Within the mobile ID infrastructure, it’s designed in a way that when you share your identity, only the data that is necessary for that interaction is shared with the identifier.”

This minimisation personal information principle is key: a device with a digital license could show only the necessary (for example, confirming your age) without giving out other sensible data. This way the digital ID becomes a data filter instead of an open door to all the user’s profile.

Data privacy vs digital ID

The state is firm that these two are not contrary to one another. The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act limits the personal information they collect, keeps and share: the House File 1335 defines how identity is exhibited, reducing unnecessary exposure. Together they point to less data leak and more secure interactions with the administration and commerce.

No system is foolproof obviously. Data breaches are there and they will probably continue existing for long, but a very well structured digital license with encryption and a tough verification setting can lower significantly the risk, especially compared to traditional practices like a scan or doing a photocopy of your whole document.

What this means for Minnesota drivers

• More control: with the privacy law, the users can ask to delete data, reducing their footprint.
• Less exposure: with the digital ID, they will share only the necessary.
• Choice on their documents: the physical ID will still exist, the digital one is optional.
• Preventive approach: less data circling around means less material risking a personal info breach.

Minnesota is trying to balance innovation and protection, after all we are leaving more and more in a digital era. With theMinnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act and the Minnesota House File 1335, the state is looking for a more secure digital identity and a better experience with digital licenses alined with privacy.

In a country where information leak are no game, and we see them more and more because of the day-to-day shopping online, or getting tickets for events, etc. This change could be an inspiration for other states, maybe even other countries to reduce risk otherwise.