Congress enacted the Real ID act in 2005, saying it would make the nation safer from future terrorist attacks. The federal government claims Real ID would be tamper-proof and that it would make the nation more secure.

These cards will serve as more than a driver’s license, they will be ID proof acceptable nationwide because they will be based on uniform, and extensive, ID standards including an implant of an electronic device loaded with personal data.

The Real ID compliance issue boils down to our individual right to privacy weighed against government right to require and have information about us to protect our security. Critics say the act intrudes on individual liberties, tramples states rights and won’t improve security.

Critics such as David Corr, chair of the Bibb County Libertarian Party, said Real ID would create a national ID and could lead to government mischief.

“This bill will require a data base, each state has to have a data base which is linked and must be shared under the federal law with other states, and we think the potential for abuse is great,” Corr said. “We think the potential for abuse is great. We think the government ultimately will use this to basically spy on citizens.”