I found this article on how Australia has developed a new technology. The photo taking device measures the spaces between the eyes, nose, and mouth. You are not supposed to smile for the photo. This is to prevent Identity Theft. Two photos of the same person can be mismatched if there is a strong differential expression in one versus the other. Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia already incorporated the neutral facial rule. There are a number of people who aren't happy about it. Would you be okay if Iowa implemented this rule?
Posted by Cassy
When I first saw this article I thought, "you have to be kidding." After reading the article I now understand why they want an accurate picture or facial image. I have to say it's a clever way to stop people who are trying to steal someones identity. I'm sure it won't get rid of identity theft problems completely but will help. I think that Iowa should implement this technology. Whats the point of having it in one place. For it to be completely effective they need to implement it everywhere.
I would have to agree with wilsonwab. When I first read the article I was thinking, "You have to be joking." I think that this rule is taking things a little too far. If you think about it, when do you ever show your ID to people? If you get pulled over, buying alcohol, getting into bars. Each of these require a quick glance, just for age/face recognition. I really don't think that people look too hard at the actual picture itself. Maybe the more extreme people will look harder at the picture and then back at you just to make sure it really is you in the picture. Most times its just pretty obvious whether it is really you in the picture or not.
Although, I have never really though about this in the case of identity theft. So, I can see the point. All it would take was a quick change of facial expression when getting your picture taken and the DOT (or where ever) to prevent something that could possibly destroy much more. Not a lot of chaos involved in that.
Does anyone really smile anyway? It doesn't seem like a situation that people ought to smile in. I don't think I ever did; I hate having to get a new ID. The next time I need a new driver's license is after my 25th birthday. Not too much time!
I agree with the first two comments. I think this is dumb. Nobody looks at a drivers licence that hard and tries to measure distances from eyes and noce and mouth etc. This would be hard for me becuase I always smile in my driver's license and in any other form of identity I own including my school university ID card. I think a lot of people do. I don't think asking people to not smile will really make a difference in identifying people.
Last week I went in to get a new drivers license because I am 21 now and the lady that was taking my picture asked me not to smile and explained to me about how it was important because of identity theft. I thought she was crazy but after reading about it and gathering more information it makes sense and will hopefully help with identity theft. I don't think it will stop it completely but it may help!
When i first heard about this I was shocked and the first thing i thought was "I don't look good in pictures when I don't smile" but recently I went to renew my license and they made the picture so up close it looks like I have a short hair cut and its definitely not flattering, furthermore, they make sure your hair is no where near you eyebrows and if your hair is to much in the way they make you put your hair behind you ears, more so for girls then guys. In addition, i don't understand why they are mailing us our new ideas in the mail, wouldn't that make people more able to easily access someone's identity? and how are they trying to eliminate theft, they didn't even take my old idea, therefore if i wanted to I could pawn it off, but i won't...i'm just saying the system is still very flawed. I don't think they will ever fully be able to eliminate identity theft.