Aside from being inundated with roughly 3 million illegal aliens, along with a state sales tax, fluctuating between 7.25% to 8.54% (depending on the city), California residents are now being exposed to countless scam-artists and annoying robocalls, courtesy of their local state-run DMV selling the private information of their drivers, who’ve unwittingly been subjected to having their personal information sold and resold.
According to just-released documents the state-run agency is generating over $50 million dollars annually selling personal information of drivers, to a host of private companies.
The information was received by VICE Magazine which received the document through a public records request, which revealed the names of DMV drivers, their physical addresses, and car registration information.
The document also uncovered the amount of money generated from the fiscal year 2013, when the clandestine program began, from $41 million dollars to currently over $51 million dollars annually.
When VICE attempted to get additional information regarding which private companies have purchased the data, the DMV became extremely vague, refusing to be specific. However, they did suggest that the list of buyers would most likely include insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers, and prospective employers.
However past inquiries have shown that data broker LexisNexis and consumer credit reporting agencies have also purchased DMV data.
After the public outcry by California drivers, the DMV was forced to respond. Public information officer Marty Greenstein wrote:
“The DMV takes its obligation to protect personal information very seriously. Information is only released pursuant to legislative direction, and the DMV continues to review its release practices to ensure information is only released to authorized persons/entities and only for authorized purposes.”
Adding, “The DMV also audits requesters to ensure proper audit logs are maintained and that employees are trained in the protection of DMV information and anyone having access to this information sign a security document.”
