County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2009

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PRIVACY – GREATER PENALTIES FOR USING RADIO WAVES TO STEAL INFORMATION

SB 31, Civil Code 1798.79 et seq.

State and local governments have recently begun incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices into identification documents, such as driver licenses and passports. Businesses, too, are using RFID technology in a wide range of applications. There are privacy and financial security risks presented by misuse of RFID, particularly where RFID documents and tags can be remotely read without the consent or knowledge of the victim.

This bill makes it a misdemeanor for a person who, without consent, uses radio waves to remotely read, or attempt to read, another person’s identification documents. Identification documents include:

• Driver licenses
• Identification cards issued for employees or contractors
• Identification cards issued pursuant to the Vehicle Code
• Health insurance or benefit cards
• Licenses, certificates, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession regulated by the Business & Professions Code
• Library cards issued by a public library

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
Web site: dca.lacounty.gov