The UK government has announced that its planned digital ID scheme will not be retroactive, meaning workers will need the ID only when applying for jobs after its expected rollout by 2028. In September, Sir Keir Starmer described the initiative as a measure to prevent individuals from entering the shadow economy. He confirmed that obtaining the digital ID would not be compulsory for access to essential services like healthcare, stating, “You’ll never need ID to go into a hospital.” Individuals who do not wish to have the ID will not be required to obtain it, apart from the need to work.
Starmer explained that the digital ID aims to simplify processes such as university applications and renting properties by reducing the need for multiple identification documents. Chris Norris from the National Residential Landlords Association noted that the initiative could standardize the type of ID required for tenants. The Prime Minister suggested that the digital ID could mitigate banking fraud by complicating the use of forged documents.
While a public consultation on the ID scheme is planned for late 2025, there has already been significant opposition, with a petition against the initiative gathering nearly three million signatures. Opinions on the digital ID are mixed, with some individuals advocating for it as a seamless option, while others express concerns about additional administrative burdens.
Privacy concerns remain prominent, with critics arguing that mandatory digital IDs could infringe on civil liberties. The Prime Minister has asserted that the ID system will not be a surveillance tool and will use strong encryption to protect personal data. Additional security measures are proposed, including data being stored locally on users’ devices. Despite the stated benefits, questions linger about the potential impact on privacy rights and the possible involvement of large tech companies in managing the system.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0kynek55wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss