Digital ID
The Government will shortly launch a public consultation and collaborate with employers, trade unions, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to co-design the Digital ID programme. Following this, primary legislation establishing the framework for the system will be introduced.
Thank you for your views on ID cards, which I regard seriously and will consider when Parliament debates the legislation.
The new Digital ID will be no different to having a passport or driving licence – it is just another way to prove who you are and to access services, updated for the modern digital age. Privacy will be put first at every step, using encryption and authentication and decentralising data storage.
I have been assured that the highest data security standards will be followed, for the Government and the private sector. There is a clear commitment to making sure the new Digital ID follows best practice to protect the security of government services and keeps pace with the changing cyber threat landscape.
Having multiple forms of identity for various purposes is bureaucratic for individuals and creates opportunities for abuse and fraud. Additionally, too many people are currently unable to prove their identity and face exclusion from services, such as the 1 in 10 British citizens who do not have a photo ID. Unlike physical IDs, if a digital ID is lost or stolen, it can be quickly revoked, updated, and reissued.
Digital ID credentials can reduce identity theft risks by limiting unnecessary exposure of personal details. For example, only relevant information is shared for each use case. Encryption, authentication, and decentralised data storage also help, giving users greater control over what is shared and with whom.
A Digital ID system will make right to work checks easier and less expensive for employers, eliminating the worry of potential employees providing fake documents. In future people could also find it useful for other things that make their everyday lives easier – from booking appointments or applying for benefits online to proving your age or opening bank accounts.
A comprehensive inclusion programme will be essential to the success of the programme. Everyone eligible for the new digital ID will be able to obtain and benefit from one. Importantly, this provides an opportunity for those who are digitally excluded in our community, or who struggle to prove their identity, to engage more effectively with public services in their everyday lives. In exceptional circumstances, where someone really can’t use a digital ID, they will be offered a physical, digitally enabled version of the ID as an alternative for those who are unable to use smartphones.