The Government has confirmed that a new digital ID scheme will be rolled out across the UK.

The introduction of a Digital ID scheme has been mooted by politicians and policy advisers for some time. It’s also never been free from controversy, as there are those that express worries about everything from cyber security and data protection to the expansion of state power and threats to civil liberties (worries that have resurfaced in recent weeks).

Despite these concerns, the Government has announced that it will be introducing such a scheme which is expected to be rolled out to all UK citizens and legal residents by the end of the Parliament. According to the ‘explainer’ released by the Government, digital IDs will: improve access to public services; reduce identity fraud; toughen employment checks, curbing the prospect of work for illegal migrants; and streamline verification processes across the private sector by enabling digital checks and efficient verification.

Digital IDs will be free, stored on one’s smartphone much like the NHS App or various online banking apps, and include data such as a person’s name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status, and a photo. Whilst the Government is keen to stress that they will not function as traditional identity cards such that people will be expected to carry them in public at all times, digital IDs will be mandatory as a means of an individual proving their Right to Work.

Precise details about the design and technical details of the scheme will be released in due course, in addition to a consultation that will be launched later this year. Reports have also emerged that a separate consultation will launched into whether children aged 13-16 will be included in the rollout.

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