While Iowa is not the first of the US states to come to mind when the adoption of the latest tech trends is in discussion, the “corn state” wants to be the first to have smartphone-based driver’s licenses. Yes, it will be an app which is currently in the works for iOS and Android devices.
As a basic idea it could be seen as convenient, although it has raised concerns about the usual privacy and security, as well as the instances when the user receives an incriminatory message while the smartphone is being held by a policeman. An idea around this would be for the user to hold up the phone so that the officer can scan it and check the driver, while another involves hiding notifications altogether while being checked.
What do you think? Is this a good idea or a bad one? We say it’s not inherently bad, but since smartphones can’t truly be called 100 percent safe and secure, it doesn’t really sound that wise.
Why complicate things and introduce issues like running out of battery – what, if you do does the cop automatically ticket you for not showing him the documents? Do you also have to carry your regular plastic license around with you too? What’s the point, then? They need to clear stuff like this up before even attempting to have a real talk about implementing this.
The app is said to become available in 2015 for free and sources say Iowa is only one of 20 states looking to get in on the act.
Via Des Moines Register , Photo: Iowa Department of Transportation / CNN Money
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