Government to consult on digital IDs for 13-year-olds
7 hours ago
- #civil liberties
- #government policy
- #digital ID
- The UK government is consulting on including children aged 13-16 in the digital ID rollout.
- A petition opposing the digital ID scheme has gathered nearly three million signatures, prompting a parliamentary debate.
- Digital IDs will be optional for students and pensioners but mandatory for employment.
- Critics, including civil liberties groups, label the scheme as 'Orwellian' and a step towards mass surveillance.
- The government defends the plan, citing benefits like tackling illegal migration and improving access to services.
- Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper supports the consultation, noting many 13-year-olds already have digital IDs.
- The Liberal Democrats criticize the plan as 'sinister' and unnecessary state overreach.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised India's Aadhaar system but clarified the UK's approach may differ.
- Other countries like Estonia, Denmark, and Spain already have digital ID systems.
- The EU is introducing a Digital Identity Wallet, mandatory for member states by 2026.