The UK Government is exploring the idea of introducing 'progressive' digital ID cards. This is being considered as a tool against illegal immigration, the plan would make it harder for people to work or reside in the country illegally. Naturally this is raising all the old debates about privacy versus state intrusion!
Is it proportionate to issue digital ID cards to over 70 million people to catch a handful of illegal workers? That's a massive logistics headache — one likely to cause more problems than it solves.
Arguments for...?
A system of digital IDs would streamline administrative routines, prevent fraud, and promote national security. Digital IDs would not be the solution to the root causes, though — such as if employers failed to check for existing paper documents or individuals came in through unauthorized channels.
In fact, the UK already has legislation in place that demands employers verify the right to work of an employee. If enforcement of these controls is not good, why would employers all of a sudden be better at ensuring electronic documentation? As Frost illustrates, simply making the system digital does nothing to eliminate the problem of non-compliance — it only adds layers of infrastructure.
The Slippery Slope of Surveillance
The problem with digital ID is that it makes it easier for the State to keep its citizens under surveillance than with mere paper IDs.... and it's easier to update and evolve digital IDs.
The Covid-19 pandemic gave a glimpse of what this future would hold. In lockdown, citizens were required to show digital proof of vaccination to be allowed into restaurants, cinemas, or even travel overseas. That was perhaps a temporary measure in exceptional circumstances, but it maybe set a precedent.
Potentially a more autocratic state might use digital ID data to restrict access to junk food, social media platforms, or public transportation — on grounds of public health, safety, or even climate policy.
Is it worth it for the convenience?
There is no doubt that digital IDs could make life easy in some respects. Imagine being able to access NHS records without hassle, proving your age online, or renewing your driver's licence with the simple click of a few buttons on your phone. Estonia and Denmark already use digital IDs very effectively for e-government services.
But where there is strong privacy protections and open governance, digital IDs are not so controversial. In the UK, with their constant data scandals and government lack of trust, public concern is well-justified.
A Question of Trust
In the end, the fight over digital IDs isn't about technology — it's about trust. Do we trust the government to keep our information from being exploited?
I mean maybe in the UK right now, but just look at the USA... would I have trusted Trump to NOT share our data with Musk for the sake of shafting the public sector and people he doesn't like, no I would not!