Trade associations in the digital ID sector rally against the government, voicing their concerns over wallet conflicts.
BritCard: Labour's Proposed UK Digital ID and Wallet Overhaul
Get ready for a radical shakeup in UK digital identification, proposed by Labour think-tank, Labour Together. Meet the BritCard – a universal, digital identity credential for every adult, and a potential game-changer for various government services. Here's the lowdown on this innovative proposal:
Key BritCard Proposals
- Universal Digital ID: The BritCard will be the mandatory, всеобщее электронное удостоверение личности, stored on your smartphone and linked to government records. This streamlined access to various government services will revolutionize the way we interact with the system[1][2][3].
- Integration with Existing Systems: The BritCard will build upon existing systems like One Login and Gov.UK Wallet, possibly merging national insurance numbers, driving licenses, and serving as a gateway for the National Health Service[1].
- Immigration Control: The primary aim of the BritCard is to simplify right-to-rent and right-to-work checks, curbing illegal immigration in line with Labour's immigration control efforts[5].
- Cost and Implementation: The estimated cost for the BritCard's implementation ranges between £140-400 million (US$189.3 to $541 million). With the necessary technology already in existence, Labour Together argues that this cost is a modest investment compared to other infrastructure projects[1].
- Opposition and Concerns: While the BritCard has its supporters, there's also apprehension about potential civil liberties infringements and possible cost overruns[3][5]. Historically, there's been resistance to centralized ID systems, as witnessed with the abandoned 2006 ID card proposition from the previous Labour government[3][5].
Support and Government Response
- Labour MPs: Many Labour MPs, especially those in swing constituencies, view the BritCard as a means to streamline access to government services and address immigration concerns[5].
- Government Reaction: Currently, there are no plans for a compulsory national ID system. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is exploring the possibility of digital IDs for new entrants to the UK[5].
Despite these dynamics, Labour Together is optimistic about the evolving public attitudes towards digital IDs, confident that their new approach avoids a centralized database or physical card[5].
The BritCard, a proposed universal digital identity for UK adults, could significantly transform various government services and immigration controls by leveraging existing systems like One Login and Gov.UK Wallet [1]. However, while some Labour MPs support this initiative for streamlining services and addressing immigration concerns, there's apprehension about potential civil liberties infringements and cost overruns, recalling the opposition to a centralized ID system in the past [3][5].
The implementation of the BritCard is estimated to cost between £140-400 million [1], sparking debates about the financial implications of such technology-driven changes in our politics and general-news landscape.
