The government has recently announced plans to roll out digital ID cards. You can read what the government say about their plans here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk
I am instinctively opposed to the concept of Digital ID Cards (and particularly the database that would need to be created) and this is a view I have held for many years. Much of what I wrote back in 2009 remains true today: https://conservativehome.com/2009/07/03/damian-hinds-2/ I have also voiced my concerns about digital IDs in one of my recent columns for the Herald and Post: Papers, please? | Damian Hinds
Despite claims that such a system would deter illegal immigration, the evidence doesn’t support this. Countries with ID systems still face the same issues: illegal migration, fraud, and crime. In the UK, existing checks by employers and landlords already serve this purpose.
Digital IDs won’t tackle the ‘shadow economy’, and may ultimately become mandatory in practice - affecting access to everyday services like banking or getting a mobile phone. Tying them to smartphones also risks excluding older and digitally vulnerable people.
Perhaps most concerning is the security risk: no database is ever truly safe, and this one would be a prime target for hackers. The high cost to taxpayers and lack of a democratic mandate only add to the concerns.
But I want to hear from you.
What do you think about these plans? Please complete my 60 second survey below to give me your views about this proposal.