Are digital ID cards a good idea?
People use all sorts of different official documents to prove their identity, including passports and driving licenses. Now, the Government plans to introduce an extra form of ID that everyone must have before they start a new job. The Government said the digital ID cards will discourage people from moving to the UK illegally to work, because the cards will replace other types of checks that are easier to fake. Lots of other countries, including Australia and Estonia, already have some form of digital ID scheme. However, some people are worried about how safely their information will be stored and are not happy about giving away so much of their personal information. What do you think – are digital ID cards a good idea?
Yes – they'll be very useful for modern life Many people already store lots of information digitally, such as debit card details on banking apps and passport details on airline apps. This is just a smarter way of having all your personal information together in one place. Besides, digital ID cards will be very handy. Before someone can start work in a new job, they have to show that they have certain documents. Once ID cards are introduced, this process will become quicker and easier, with fewer bits of paper involved – which are easy to lose. Digital IDs will be difficult to fake, making it trickier for people to work in the UK if they are not allowed to. Digital cards will also be used to help people access services such as childcare, which will speed up the process.
No – not everyone is good with technology Some people don't have smartphones and aren't comfortable using technology. The Government has said it will hold discussions with groups such as older people to see what can be done to help, but it is still the case that the cards won't suit everyone. In fact, lots of people are against the idea – a petition has attracted almost three million signatures. Some people are concerned about how secure their data will be, because it could be vulnerable to cybercriminals who illegally access digital information. Others are worried about privacy. They feel that digital ID cards are a way for the Government to interfere more in people's lives, and that the Government might later ask for more private details.
