Real ID Act of 2005 - Too Much Info in the Driver’s License Bar Code

Here is an important perspective of the implications of the bar code on your driver’s license, from Total Lawyers

Beginning on May 11, 2008, the standards for implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005 will be enforced…

The main question is, if a quick bar code scan can make it easier to verify legal citizenship and identity for government agencies, won’t it be as quick and easy for non-government agencies, such as for example retailers and restaurants, to access this information? Further, if a single searchable database makes it easier for government officials to access personal information, won’t it be easier for a hacker to gather more information, easier? Instead of protecting identities, couldn’t it be exposing identities?