On Point | Podcast
The real story of REAL ID
May 6, 2025
In this conversation, Magdalena Krayevska, a political science professor and author, and Jim Harper, a privacy expert, delve into the intricate history and implications of the REAL ID Act. They discuss its origins post-9/11 and debate whether it's outdated two decades later. The duo highlights challenges with state compliance, privacy concerns, and the paradox of national security versus individual freedoms. They also critique the efficacy of ID checks in preventing terrorism, offering a thought-provoking look at America's complex relationship with identification.
46:06
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Quick takeaways
- The Real ID Act was a response to security vulnerabilities exposed by 9/11, aiming to create federal standards for identification in air travel.
- Ongoing debates around the Real ID focus on balancing national security needs with concerns about privacy, data security, and government overreach.
Deep dives
The Impact of 9/11 on U.S. Identification Standards
The events of September 11, 2001, prompted significant changes in identification processes to enhance national security. Flight attendant Betty Ong's early warning during the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 11 highlighted severe vulnerabilities in air travel security, particularly regarding identity verification. The 9/11 Commission concluded that many terrorists were aided by fraudulently obtained identification documents, leading to recommendations for a national ID framework to ensure secure identification practices. The establishment of the Real ID Act in 2005 aimed to create federal standards for state-issued IDs, ensuring that secure identification became a foundational element of national security.
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