Digital ID's as a control tool

[Stardustnush]

Taxes aside this was mentioned in passing in yesterday's budget... Digital ID's. The concept alone freaks me out. If you had anything to do with eastern Europe ( and other areas) you'd know that the ID card was the golden key. You couldn't do diddly squat without it. For it to be online I think it is even more worrying. AIBU to think this socialist govt is seeking ultimate control?
Where do you stand on this topic?

What is it about the "concept alone" of citizens having identification that makes you freak out?

Do you have any form of ID, out of interest?

Have you ever worked in local or central government or operations delivery?

I think any description of our centrist government as "socialist" immediately casts major doubts over the rest of the post.

But what kind of "control tool" do you think this will afford? And why do you immediately think of Eastern Europe instead of, say, the digital ID cards that are already used in, say, France and Spain?

The id card isn't going to be an identification card. This is obfuscation by the government and people don't understand that it won't be used merely to prove who you are, but also, in time, to monitor, curtail freedoms and control access to goods and services.

If you had anything to do with eastern Europe ( and other areas) you'd know that the ID card was the golden key

The golden key to what?

I couldn't give a single shite. Its all information which exists on various government systems already. I mean, fucking hell, if the government wanted to exert control they'd do it through your smartphone.

And they already exist in many other places without them being used to control.

a) How is this going to be used to curtail freedoms etc?

b) How do you know this is the planned outcome?

As a child, I lived in a European country (not an Eastern one). My parents had to carry ID there, law of the land. I don’t recall them duluxing their faces blue and white and screaming FREEEEEEDOM and I’m not immediately concerned by the prospect of digital IDs now.

What specifically is giving you visions of Animal Farm, @Stardustnush?

ID cards are normal, most countries have them and they allow you to access a wide range of services that are restricted to certain people, this could be anything from alcohol sales, benefits, sales, air travel etc. it’s not a left or right wing conspiracy, it’s just to check you are who you say you are. I for one quite welcome a card (digital or otherwise) that i use for my driving licence, my identity proof, flying (short haul at least) etc. currently I carry my driving licence so don’t see any issue with a combined card

I can’t understand why some are so nonchalant about this. More government control less autonomy. An ID card that will eventually be linked to everything about you. I’m sure there are those who still trust our gov and believe that this point of view is conspiratorial. Take a good look at the people running our country. 1.8 Billion would be better spent elsewhere.

It's happening in other countries, such as India. In Vietnam, thousands of people have lost access to their bank accounts because they refused to register biometrics. They've now lost all their money. We're entering the era of digital monitoring and control.

I'm at least a bit chalant about this but I'm yet to hear exactly how people think that it will be used in a way that will result in less autonomy etc.

So far the nay-sayers sound quite a lot like the people who were outraged at "15 minute cities" because they thought it'd end up with barbed wire in the streets to stop us using our cars.

I think its a great idea

It's not happening in other countries, such as France and Spain. Why do you think the UK government would go down the India/Vietnam route and not the France/Spain route?

Do you currently have any UK government-issued ID such as a driving license or passport?

It's not going to be about id. If you don't understand what the implications are then there's no point in me trying to explain. You'll find out in time anyway.

Apart from the safety of my data alone, having a centralized unique number that allows you (and then by definition controls) your freedom is concerning. The state can very well check who I am - I have a NI number , an NHS number, some have driver's licenses and passports. How is this not enough? The minute you need this to get a n email address. Or open a bank account and access it, it is another level. Maybe I am a bit paranoid 😕

LOL. Bless your sweet naive heart if you think the Civil Service is remotely capable of such joined up systems!

I hail from that side of the world. Wrong think would see your card suspended. Same as running a red light, being late with your taxes or saying the wrong thing against the regime. No card=no benefits of any kind. You needed it to see a doctor, to get a bus pass, to get your rations. You couldn't do any of this if your card was held at the police station it was very much a tool to keep ppl in line. Why is it so hard to believe that could happen here too?
This government is not a centrist one!

It's not the civil service that'll be administering it. How quaint that you believe we're still in the 20th century.

Look at the social credit system in China if you want to see where we're heading.

Nailed it.

Some posters would do well to read up on China's Social Credit system and think about how a unified, Digital ID would provide a foundation for such a system elsewhere.

Further reading on an example where a Digital ID could be advantageous would be how the Canadian government froze the bank accounts of those who disagreed with the government and donated to a protest back in 2022.

But if someone believes that the government wants to spend billions upon billions and expend political capital on pushing though something that simply prevents the inconvenience of having to carry a driving licence AND a passport, then they're naive beyond hope.

I always love the idea on these threads that UK will become USSR/any other dictatorship on steroids if ID cards were introduced.
State already has access tp all your data and bank if needed. Id just puts it in one place and stops people moaning they don't have id when needed. I do admittedly not like idea of only online one ane would like a physical card. Like my other one

1.8 Billion would be better spent elsewhere.
It's amazing what the Govt can find the money for, if they really want to.
Wouldn't people prefer that they spent that money on schools, health, housing, etc.

Indeed, but look it’s to help stop illegal migration. Are people really so blind? Our gov hides in plain sight and they really don’t give a shit. But hey let’s not look over there it’s all thick conspiracy theorists none of them can possibly be right. Instead let’s smear and silence people who have genuine concerns by patronising them and calling them names.

Is MN full of such left leaners they’re on their sides?!

Yep

Oh yeah, they’ll outsource it. To Capita. Even less worried now!