The Quiet Erosion of American Privacy: Digital ID Is Now Law
Digital ID: The Next Phase of Government…
Most Americans are unaware that a new system of digital identification is already being implemented nationwide.
While sold as a “modernization” of public records and security systems, the digital ID framework - now encoded into law - poses one of the greatest threats to personal privacy and individual freedom in U.S. history.
Digital ID: The Next Phase of Gov’t Surveillance
The federal rollout of digital identification programs has been advancing quietly for years under various initiatives - REAL ID compliance, IRS digital login mandates, biometric verification for federal programs, and now digital driver’s licenses that link to federal databases.
The newest phase - backed by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology - creates a unified framework for online and physical identification that connects medical, financial, and travel data under one personal ID.
Proponents argue it will “streamline access” to benefits, reduce fraud, and enhance national security.
But privacy experts warn it’s a digital Trojan horse that could centralize unprecedented control in government and corporate hands.
Evidence the Framework Is Already Active …
Trump’s Stance and Actions on Digital ID
The concept of digital ID generally refers to a government-recognized electronic form of identification, often linked to biometrics like fingerprints or facial scans.
Many countries are moving towards implementing digital ID systems, with some even making them mandatory for activities like work .
In the U.S., the REAL ID Act, signed by President Trump, has been identified as accelerating the implementation of digital IDs through mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs).
This legislation has also been viewed as providing the basis for a digital ID system.
Perspectives
Trump Administration’s actions promote digital ID and control
President Trump has taken steps to build a digital control grid by promoting biometrics and digital IDs, particularly in relation to immigration
The 2020 REAL ID Modernization Act, signed by President Trump, accelerates the implementation of digital IDs through mobile driver’s licenses and involves private entities having access to personal data
Trump’s administration moved to complete and deploy a national biometric ID program for non-citizens entering and leaving the U.S., which was called for in a 2017 Executive Order
Trump’s administration’s actions regarding Stablecoin and the Genius Act are seen as pathways to digital currency and expanded surveillance, with digital ID being a waiting solution for economic disruptions
Trump Administration’s actions roll back Biden-era digital ID policies
President Trump has rolled back digital identity provisions from a Biden administration executive order, a move that experts say could leave the U.S. more vulnerable
Trump’s executive order eliminated Biden initiatives promoting digital identity solutions, including for public benefits access and mobile driver’s licenses, citing risks of abuse by undocumented individuals
The Trump administration considers the Biden-era digital ID system too ‘dangerous’ due to potential misuse by undocumented individuals for social benefits
Trump’s new order also removed a section from Biden’s directive that established federal standards around the use of digital identity documents and requirements that such tools not enable surveillance or tracking
