Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) today called on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to cease the policy of selling drivers’ personal information to for-profit companies. The DMV reportedly made $60 million last year selling such information. McDonough was shocked that this has been allowed to continue and said this opens the door for issues such as identity theft and cyber criminalization.

“As a longtime advocate for public safety, I am appalled that the Cuomo Administration has allowed this practice to go on,” McDonough said. “Selling citizens’ personal information for profit without consent is completely unacceptable and could easily lead to identity theft and online victimization. I am in the process of becoming a sponsor of legislation in the Assembly that would prevent this irresponsible and dangerous practice. I am officially calling on the governor to stop this policy immediately.”

Assembly Bill 2509 would require consent from a resident for their personal information to be sold to outside parties. To sign the petition against this practice, use the following link: http://bit.ly/1HuIK8P.