Concerns surrounding the UK government’s digital ID plans have intensified following a significant policy reversal. On January 13, 2024, ministers announced that while right-to-work checks will transition online, the introduction of a mandatory digital ID system will no longer be compulsory for employees. This decision marks a stark shift from proposals made in 2023, which indicated that all workers in the UK would be required to have a digital ID by 2029.
The initial plan aimed to streamline the verification of workers’ rights, but public support for mandatory digital IDs has plummeted from 53% in June 2023 to just 31% following the announcement by Labour leader Keir Starmer. Privacy campaigners have welcomed the government’s retreat from compulsory digital IDs, stressing that such a system could have excluded already vulnerable groups, particularly the homeless.
Concerns Over Digital Exclusion
Advocates for the homeless have voiced strong objections to the idea of requiring a digital ID for basic existence. Jasleen Chaggar, legal and policy officer at Big Brother Watch, stated, “In this country, we’ve never had to have any kind of government-validated permit to exist.” Chaggar emphasized that homelessness should not be exacerbated by the imposition of a digital ID, which she referred to as a “BritCard.”
The government has argued that a digital ID could simplify interactions with public services and financial institutions. However, many in the homelessness sector remain skeptical. Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, remarked that the proposed system could do little to aid those without access to smartphones or reliable internet. He noted that many individuals experiencing homelessness lack the necessary technology to engage with a digital ID system effectively.
According to the Digital Poverty Alliance, nearly 4.5 million adults in the UK do not own a smartphone, raising significant concerns about accessibility. Downie pointed out that issues such as lost or stolen devices are common among homeless individuals, further complicating the potential rollout of a digital ID scheme.
Debate on Voluntariness and Coercion
Despite the government’s assertion that participation in the digital ID scheme would be voluntary, concerns linger about the practical implications of such a system. Chaggar warned that even a voluntary scheme could become de facto mandatory, as seen in other countries where similar systems have been instituted. “There are questions about a voluntary scheme, and whether it becomes so normalized that it makes it de facto mandatory,” she cautioned.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves attempted to downplay the controversy, stating, “We are saying that you will need mandatory digital ID to be able to work in the UK.” She clarified that the government remains flexible about the forms this ID could take, whether as a digital ID card or alternative electronic documents.
Civil liberties advocates have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s reassurances. Akiko Hart, director of Liberty, emphasized that the focus must remain on creating a digital ID system that is inclusive and respects individual rights. “If the government wants to build a digital ID system fit for the 21st century, it must be voluntary, inclusive, and genuinely rights-respecting,” Hart stated.
As the debate continues, the shifting landscape of digital ID in the UK highlights the complexities of balancing technological advancement with fundamental rights, particularly for the most vulnerable citizens. The government’s recent U-turn has opened the door for further discussions on how to ensure that all individuals can access essential services without facing unnecessary barriers.
