Government ID, Smart Cards, Identification and Authentication

Australian smart card driver license cost doubling

Monday, June 9, 2008

Originally the smart card driver license program in Australia was supposed to cost around $47 million (Australian dollars), according to an article in the Australia Courier Mail. But now estimates for the new ID cards, which won’t be available for another 18 months is at $84 million. So far $24.5 million have been spent on the project.

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The U.S. government has settled an infringement case with Leighton Technologies by agreeing to license its smart cards.

Leighton Technologies, a subsidiary of General Patent, filed a case against the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in January 2010. Leighton alleged that 54 federal agencies used its six smart card patents without authorization. Leighton’s technology was also used in e-passports.

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British Columbia is moving forward with plans to upgrade its CareCard program. According to The Vancouver Sun, the new card will provide access to a variety of regional services including electronic health records, driver license and school registration for children.

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With many states requiring voter ID cards, and if you’re a student, proof of enrollment, some colleges are offering students free cards that will enable them to vote.

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Russia has pushed back the launch of its universal eID card to January 2013, reports The Moscow Times.

Originally scheduled to roll out this month, the card is supposed to function as an electronic ID, driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, ATM card and immigration document, along with other possible features.

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Datacard Group announced a contract award from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to upgrade to the Datacard MXD Card Delivery System and MXi Envelope Insertion System for enhanced card delivery and mailing for its driver licenses and identification cards.

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Consumerist reports that Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania has written to Apple in hopes of getting the company to pull the “Driver’s License” app from its store.

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