Thank you to everyone who has got in touch with questions and concerns about the introduction of digital ID. I’ve received a number of emails about this and can see that there is some unease in Lewisham North. I’ve been asked some important questions about things like digital exclusion and data security; I will try to address them all in this response.
Digital ID has the potential to make our lives easier. We already have to show ID in a variety of situations, such as when opening a bank account, renting a home or proving our right to vote. Many of us also give our data to services and companies such as supermarkets and libraries in order to save money or get other benefits.
A new digital ID scheme will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services. In time, it will make it easier to apply for government and private sector services, such as helping renters to quickly prove their identity to landlords, improving access to welfare and other benefits, and making it easier for parents to apply for free childcare.
There has been a lot of speculation on social media and in the press that digital ID will be mandatory for all adults. This is incorrect: there will be no requirement for individuals to carry their ID or be asked to produce it. It will be free and people will not be sanctioned for not having one.
However, it is correct that digital ID will become mandatory as a means of proving your Right to Work. This will not happen overnight, though. It is expected to be in place by the end of this Parliament (2029, if an election is not called sooner), so employers and workers will have plenty of time to prepare.
I know that many people are concerned about privacy and security. Later this year the Government will launch a public consultation on how the service will be delivered. Data privacy will be a top priority and the new ID will be built on the same technology that is already used to store things like boarding passes and train tickets on people’s phones.
Ministers are also very aware that there are people who for a variety of reasons cannot or do not use a smartphone. During my time as Shadow Minister for Disabled People I often heard similar concerns from groups who found it challenging to access other forms of ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
The public consultation will therefore engage with groups who aren’t as experienced with the digital world, like homeless and older people, learning from other countries that have done this well. An outreach programme will also be rolled out alongside the scheme, including face-to-face support for citizens who are struggling to access the scheme.
In other countries which have introduced digital ID, such as Denmark, Australia and Estonia, take up has been high and digital ID has removed the need for manual checks and repetitive paperwork. Services have also been able to better target support.
You may also be interested to read this page on the gov.uk website, which answers a lot of frequently asked questions.