by stuffn | 2025-11-13 16:17:34+00:00
> There are literally no downsides. My state already had me in its electronic database because I'm a driver. The TSA already has me in its electronic database. Apple already knows exactly who I am from my many credit card purchases with them. It's not taking away any privacy. Having my ID on my phone gives me convenience and doesn't take anything away.

"Everyone already knows who I am why should I care?"

You're the exact reason our rights across the spectrum of the constitution have been eroded consistently since 2001. This view of privacy is so toxic I could go on a 10 page rant about it. There's so much wrong with this single paragraph.

First, while you are correct to say the government knows who you are. You are in databases all over. So why should you care?

1. Government organizations are not allowed to share information in many cases w.r.t. constitutionally protected things. Warrants are still required intra-government (though thanks to your type of thinking it's getting simpler and simpler for them).

2. It is taking away your privacy because cell phones are legally treated differently than paper ID. If you hand the phone to a law enforcement officer, of which most normal people have plenty of information that can be used to manufacture a case, they can legally search it as your ID and other pertinent information are there. Just like you can be compelled to open your phone if you use biometrics, you can be compelled to open your phone for your digital ID. I sure hope your nose is as clean as you imply because DAs could put Mother Teresa in prison if they worked hard enough!

3. The purpose of Apple Pay from a privacy perspective is to prevent credit card theft by using tokens. In reality it's used to track you and monetize you.

4. This is no more convenient than carrying around your ID and if you find it inconvenient to carry around 2" x 4" card in your pocket your life is so unbelievably decadent I can't possibly understand you.

5. From a security standpoint an "ID reader" at a club/bar/restaurant could feasibly lift sensitive information out of your phone without you knowing it. How much do you trust your security posture on your phone? Enough to show us all your last 5 years of text messages?

Rights are eroded over time. Slowly, year by year, election cycle by election cycle, as politicians capitalize on the collective panic over whatever moral crisis we are currently in.

> "Obviously this isn't mandatory nor should it be. Physical IDs aren't going anywhere. But I already keep all my credit cards in my Apple Wallet. I want to keep my driver's license there too".

We didn't start out with much mandatory stuff in 2001. All of it was seen as "convenient" (for the prevention of terrorism). But the fact privacy infringing things were allowed opened the door to further invasion. When you allow politicians/business to get a single millimeter of their toe in the crack of the door it's over. These "people" do not understand "reasonable". So while you hand over your most important shit to Apple and the government they're busy planning on how to either use it to imprison you or profit off you. This is true for every every constitutional right. If you're willing to give up freedom for security you deserve neither. Congratulations you've personally made the EFF and other right's organization's jobs another 1% harder.