Rod HiltonJun 2, 2023
Just a friendly reminder that if you store your government ID on your phone and find yourself in a situation where you have to show a cop your ID, you'll have to hand them your unlocked phone to do it.
https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/1/23745168/google-wallet-state-id-drivers-license-custom-cards
Google Wallet is getting custom cards and state IDs this month

Google Wallet users will soon be able to add their state ID or driver’s licenses to Google Wallet and can create a digital version of any card that features a barcode or QR code.

The Verge
Show threadStephen CerrutiJun 2, 2023

@rodhilton are you sure? I can bring up my credit cards with my phone locked down, I have to unlock it to use them.

I believe I can see my tickets with my phone locked. Can you explain?

Show threadRod HiltonJun 2, 2023

@scerruti none of these technical details are relevant. Cops can just tell you to unlock it.

If your hand your phone to a police officer that suspects you of a crime enough to demand your ID, you are making a mistake. That's the point.

Setting oneself up to tightrope walk this situation properly by storing your ID on a phone is a very bad idea that shifts more power to police.

Show threadStephen CerrutiJun 2, 2023

@rodhilton IDs are only available in phones with lock enabled (like tap to pay), ability to scan a QR code or use NFC so it doesn't require handing your phone over. It is my understanding that police can force you to unlock your phone except if you are using a PIN and that is why Google has a quick lockdown to support requiring PIN access.

There is even mention of multiple security levels for health insurance cards.

Show threadRod Hilton

@scerruti no offense but your take is extremely naive. This will be abused by police, no amount of "but not if everyone follows the rules" is a sufficient rebuttal.

"You need to unlock it so I can verify it's not just a wallpaper with a fake id"

Like, they lie. They will coerce and trick people into handing over unlocked phones because people are afraid and they have a gun. Denying all of this and pretending technical solutions are adequate is to be disconnected from reality.

Jun 2, 2023 at 1:23pmTusky
Show threadRod HiltonJun 2, 2023

@scerruti Your credit card example doesn't work because the barista doesn't want to look at your unlocked phone to find evidence of crimes, they just want you to pay for your coffee.

They aren't rewarded for being able to charge you more by getting access to your phone, and if they were to do so they wouldn't be protected by the system for rifling through it.

The barista doesn't have a gun on their hip or a threat of jail for noncompliance behind the interaction.

Shit, man. Pay attention.