Looking at recent OPTUS data breach, the level of details stolen is enough for scammers to assume one’s identity.
While this is scary, it becomes worse considering some of IDs can’t be changed. Which means the real danger of ID theft is permanent and not contained.
In case of data breach such as Optus, consider this:
- Passport No.: Can be changed. As one can simply get new one issued with different no. ✅
- Medicare: Can’t be changed. As replacing only gets last digit incremented by 1. ❌
- Drivers License: This can’t be changed. And has potential to be misused prolonged. ❌
So shouldn’t we be allowed to get new ID document altogether should we want one.
What I can think of:
- Allow change of ID request only to be valid by cases such as Optus breach. And as recommended by Govt. Cybersecurity Experts.
- The fees to be completely paid by applicant. There should be law which should mandate that this can then be claimed against their breaching company.
- To fast track many applications, the applicant should visit authorities (say Vic roads for DL) in person.
- The authorities validate identity of person and just amend application to change ID.
So, should we be allowed to get new IDs?
doesn't the expiry change