One-sided empowerment

This IT company called Stradcom developed a program for the LTO (Land Transportation Office) called the Mobile Query Tool (MQT). The MQT gives the user access to the database of the LTO respecting licensed drivers, motor vehicle registration and local franchises issued by the city or municipality. The user is given a Blackberry unit where the program is installed and he is able to access the information through the internet (I think its either EDGE or GPRS dependent.) Its a great concept since the user (most likely a traffic enforcer) will be able to access more detailed information about a driver or a vehicle simply by entering basic information that is readily accessible. Entering the license number of the driver will reveal not only personal information but also a listing of past apprehensions (and even standing ones.) Entering the license plate number will reveal the make, model, color and even the chassis number of the vehicle.

Personally it scares me. While its being marketed to LGU's, I think that there is no stopping law enforcement agencies and/or investigative bodies from being allowed to purchase the program. Even if its not the national agencies, the local law enforcement units of the LGU's will be the most likely end-users. Access to such detailed information also poses the danger of abuse and misuse of the same. I'm all for speeding up access to information, but really, I'm afraid of the possibility of abuse. Its hard to trust information that only a select group (read: the State) has access to - I guess that's my big beef about it. It might be different if we can all have access to the database.

How do you argue with a TMG Officer who flags you down and flashes a Blackberry to your face that says your vehicle has been listed as "carnapped" and you should allow him to impound your car? Some part of me feels that its easier to wiggle out of abusive hands when all they have is their word against yours.