New privacy policy designed to protect I-PASS information
From Staff Reports January 5, 2012 10:40PM
Updated: February 7, 2012 8:20AM
The Illinois Tollway has established a formal privacy policy to protect the collection and use of personal information obtained from I-PASS customer records.
The policy was implemented to comply with House Bill 3342, which was sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Oak Lawn) and state Sen. Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) and signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn in August 2011.
“The new law is a great protection for I-PASS customers,” Burke said. “Drivers can be assured that their personal information, such as the dates, times and places where they travel on the tollway system, will be kept private.”
Hutchinson said the new rules are important for those who travel the tollway system.
“This legislation will guarantee the personal information of those utilizing Illinois’ tollways is not shared with outside parties, protecting sensitive information from potential misuse,” Hutchinson said. “As the use of electronic means of payment becomes increasingly common in our society, we must ensure our laws and policies are kept up to date to keep vital information safe and private.”
The Illinois Tollway operates the largest open road tolling system in the nation with more than 2.2 million daily toll transactions. Approximately 84 percent of all transactions are I-PASS transactions from more than 4.3 million active transponders and more than 3.2 million active I-PASS accounts.
The new policy protects “locational privacy,” a person’s right not to be tracked while driving. It ensures that the Illinois Tollway will not be forced, under Illinois’ Freedom of Information law or by other means, to disclose any personal data, including the date, time, location or direction of travel of I-PASS customers, with anyone other than the customer. The only exceptions to the policy will be in response to a subpoena or to assist law enforcement when there is a public safety emergency or for other lawful purposes.
“The sole purpose of I-PASS is convenience for our customers,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “We respect our customers’ privacy and are committed to protecting their personal information by restricting how I-PASS data is used, stored and shared.”
Other personal data protected under this policy includes address, telephone number, driver’s license number, email address, license plate number, toll transaction photographs and bank and credit card information.
The policy took effect on Jan. 1.
The new policy is posted on the Tollway’s website at www.illinoistollway.com and will be provided to all customers obtaining I-PASS transponders.
