Major change to NSW drivers licences to crack down on identity fraud
NSW drivers licence photos could be shared to a national database under a proposed government scheme to prevent identity fraud.
The New South Wales government has introduced a bill to parliament to strengthen police powers and prevent identity fraud. Proposed laws include participation in a national facial recognition service, sharing drivers licence photos with a nationwide database. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley claims the measures will stop criminals from using fake identities to commit crimes.
Police would also gain access to unredacted photos from public toll roads, as well as digital devices linked to criminal activity. Premier Chris Minns highlighted the current lack of knowledge about who is driving vehicles, which hinders investigations. The government asserts privacy concerns and states that the database will only confirm identity verification.
Critics, however, argue that the proposed expansion of police powers lacks sufficient safeguards and community accountability.
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