Missouri DMV Privatization: Decades of Private Operation

Residents of Kansas and Missouri may be surprised to learn their personal data collected by state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) is legally being sold to private companies. A KCTV5 investigation revealed this practice, enabled by a decades-old federal law known as the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

The practice, which includes the sale of names, addresses and dates of birth, has been ongoing for years, generating over $1.3 million for the two states, according to KCTV5. Many residents expressed shock and concern upon learning about the data sales.

“Did you know that? No, I had no idea,” said Connie Phelps, who lives in McLouth, Kansas.

KCTV5

“No, I did not know that at all,” said Trevor Crawford, who lives in Mission.

KCTV5

The DPPA, while intended to prevent open public access to driver information, contains provisions allowing states to sell data for specific purposes, such as towing services, insurance, and government needs. The Emporia News reported similar findings, highlighting the widespread unawareness among residents regarding this practice.

Missouri DMVs and Privatization

A Reddit post from r/missouri highlighted a related issue: the privatization of Missouri DMVs. A user noted that Missouri DMVs have been privately operated for several decades. This adds another layer of complexity to the data privacy concerns, as private companies are directly involved in the collection and potential sale of personal information.

The KCTV5 investigation noted that residents often face lengthy waits and inconvenient processes when visiting the DMV. The revelation that their data is being sold adds to the frustration and raises questions about transparency and control over personal information.

“It is kind of an invasion,” said Pam Tannen, who lives in Missouri. “Who gives them the right to do that? ‘The federal law!’ We need to change that law,” said LaTonya Bowman, who lives in Kansas City.

KCTV5

While the DPPA outlines restrictions on how the data can be used, concerns remain about the potential for misuse and the lack of explicit consent from individuals whose information is being sold. The University of Kansas’ Paul E… (name incomplete in source) explained the restrictions within the law, noting the permitted uses for the data.

Kansas City Considers City-Run DMV

In related news, Kansas City is exploring the possibility of opening its own city-run DMV, following the example of Grandview. This move could potentially give the city more control over data privacy and security, although it remains to be seen whether it would address the underlying issues related to the DPPA.

The legal sale of personal data by state DMVs raises significant privacy concerns for residents of Kansas, and Missouri. The combination of a decades-old federal law, private operation of DMVs in Missouri, and a lack of public awareness creates a situation where personal information is being commodified without the explicit consent of those it concerns.