The Government’s new Digital ID Scheme

November 1, 2025

On the 26th of September, Keir Starmer announced plans to introduce a mandatory digital ID system by 2029, igniting widespread opposition across political, civil, and public spheres. Marketed as a tool to curb illegal immigration and modernise public services, the proposal has instead raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, and state overreach.

The scheme would require all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over to possess a digital ID, accessible via a smartphone app.  The government argues that this system will streamline verification processes, reduce fraud, and, most importantly, deter undocumented migration.  However, critics warn that the proposal represents a fundamental shift in the relationship between citizens and the state because the digital ID would store sensitive personal data – such as name, date of birth, nationality, residency status and biometric data – in a centralised government database, raising alarms about data security and an infringement on civil liberties.  It’s important to note that the Labour Party’s election manifesto last year did not include plans for a digital ID scheme, and the government has previously dismissed a proposal for such a system put forward by former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair.

The ID card was sold on the premise of tackling illegal migration; however, reviewing the details of the card, illegal migration is only a small part of this goal. The primary uses of the UK Digital ID are:

Proof of Right to Work – The digital ID will be mandatory for ANY employment. Employers will be required to verify a candidate’s digital ID before hiring, ensuring they have the legal right to work in the UK.

Proof of Residency Status – used to confirm whether someone is a legal resident or citizen, helping to prevent undocumented individuals from accessing jobs or services.

Access to Government Services – Citizens need the ID card to access benefits, tax records, and public services like education, healthcare, and childcare.

Rental Agreements – Renters will use the digital ID to prove their identity to landlords, replacing physical documents like passports or utility bills.

Age Verification – The ID will help verify age for restricted services or purchases, such as alcohol or online content.

Digital Authentication – The ID will serve as a secure digital credential, like Apple Wallet or the NHS App, using biometric data and encryption to prevent fraud.  

Now this is all well and good, but the government can now track and monitor everything you do. 

Seven prominent campaign organisations—including Big Brother Watch, Liberty, Article 19, and the Open Rights Group—have written to the Prime Minister urging him to abandon the plan. Their joint letter argues that mandatory digital ID would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, and digitally excluded, potentially locking them out of essential services.

Political opposition has emerged from both ends of the spectrum. Even within Labour’s own ranks, dissent is growing. Reports suggest “mass unhappiness” among Labour MPs, with many expressing scepticism about the scheme’s effectiveness in tackling illegal immigration. Some fear the policy could backfire politically, especially given Labour’s previous failure regarding ID cards during the 2000s under the leadership of Tony Blair.  It’s interesting that the Tony Blair Institute released a report calling for digital ID cards just days before this announcement.

Cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates have also highlighted the risks of centralising personal data in a single government-controlled system. In a parliamentary debate held on 7th May 2024, it was noted that there has been a threefold increase in MOD data breaches in the last five years, with 35 separate MOD breaches reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office. The risk of data breaches—whether through compromised system integrity or hacking – and unauthorized surveillance remains a significant concern. Critics argue that the government has not provided sufficient assurances about how sensitive information will be protected or used.  And how does the huge rise of drive-by phone thefts impact the security of the system?  Can the government deliver such a system? Looks the mess surrounding the abandoned NHS patient record system which cost the taxpayer nearly £10bn.

The UK’s plan for digital ID cards has sparked fresh debate about privacy and how much control the government should have over personal information. Supporters say digital IDs will make life easier and safer by helping to prevent fraud and illegal activity. But critics worry they could give the government too much power and put people’s personal data at risk.

To be clear, I’m not necessarily opposed to a digital ID, but I must have absolute control over the access to any data stored. In addition, the government is selling this as a “free” app, and as we know “if something is free, you are the product.”

And, as I’ve said many times, privacy is not based on the premise of “having nothing to hide”; it’s about choosing what to share.