The UK Has It Wrong on Digital ID. Here's Why
12 days ago
- #privacy concerns
- #UK government
- #digital ID
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a digital ID scheme to be implemented by 2029.
- The digital ID will store personal information like name, date of birth, and residency status to verify work and living rights.
- Critics argue digital IDs threaten privacy, human rights, and could lead to mission creep by expanding mandatory usage scenarios.
- Concerns include potential exclusion of vulnerable groups, increased surveillance, and data security risks.
- The UK government claims the system will be secure and inclusive, but past failures like the eVisa system raise doubts.
- Civil society and opposition parties strongly oppose the scheme, citing risks of discrimination and power imbalances.
- A petition with nearly 3 million signatures against mandatory digital ID will be debated in Parliament on December 8th.