At certain airports, the digital ID cards can be utilised at TSA checkpoints.
For the Android Wallet app, Google has started beta testing new functionality for driver's licences and state ID cards, but only if you reside in the state of Maryland.The digital ID feature hasn't been seen in a while. It was initially unveiled in May during the Google IO event as a part of reviving the long-forgotten Wallet app. The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, will accept the functionality "at selected supporting airports," though it isn't specified which ones, according to a Google Support page(opens in new tab). The Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland is included in the TSA's comprehensive list of cooperating airports(opens in new tab) on its website.
There are a few qualifications for Marylanders who are interested. Android 8.0 or newer must be installed on your smartphone. You must also participate in the Google Play Service Public Beta Program as a tester (opens in new tab). The Nearby Devices tool and Bluetooth must both be turned on, and the screen lock must be configured.
Getting ready
According to Google, getting digital IDs will take a few days after you join the programme. After a few days, if you still don't have the beta, the company requests that you send a report so that it can assist you.
Once you install the digital ID functionality, the programme will add a new "ID Card (beta)" entry. You record a brief video of yourself and capture pictures or images of both sides of your ID. The "ID issuer for verification" will then receive a screenshot of the video from Google Wallet. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which produces ID cards in the state, is most likely the issuer in this case. When digital IDs are widely used, the app will presumably use a state's MVA equivalent.
The beta comes with three security features: Easy, Private, and Secure, which are not mentioned on the support website. Easy provides all of the digital ID's TSA checkpoint-specific identification data when you look at the description. You may manage who can see it and what information is shared by using private. Your ID is encrypted by Secure so that only you can decipher it.
The business advises customers to continue carrying their actual ID cards since "certain functionalities may not perform as intended" at this time. A corporate spokesman informed us that Google does not yet have a date set for a statewide rollout because it "just started the test in Maryland."
Identity protection
Digital ID technology is not new to the state of Maryland. In September 2021, Apple introduced digital IDs for its Wallet app, enabling customers from a number of states, including Maryland, to use digital IDs at TSA checkpoints. In order to protect iPhone owners, Maryland Mobile ID, in particular, even has the same security levels of Easy, Private, and Secure. It's great that technology is being added to mobile devices for convenience's sake, but we can't help but wonder if this technology will make phones more of a target for identity theft. You now have even more personal information on your phone thanks to digital IDs.If this identity security worries you, we suggest visiting TechRadar's most recent best identity theft protection guide ways to strengthen your security for 2022.
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