Do Brits generally approve of the new compulsory national digital ID?

[MsAmerica]

I admit I don't know much about it, but I find it creepy.

Do you think it's in reaction to the immigrant problem, or what?

I do wonder if it could be used to curb low level crime in future for example everyone would need to scan ID on way into supermarket to keep out known shoplifters. I suspect some people would think that’s unreasonable but I’ve seen so many blokes leg it out the door of the local Tescos clutching booze. Might the streets then become free of litter, then? AI cameras spot someone dropping litter, the drone equipped with handcuffs appears, and airlifts the offender to the village lock-up?

Even I (somebody who is hugely wary of government overreach) might have supported the idea on the basis of preventing low-level crime, pre-2020. But the problem is that I simply don't trust any government not to move the goalposts to redefine anything they like as "low-level crime", especially since 2020, when visiting your own family was redefined as criminal activity, and Parliamentary scrutiny was totally bypassed then. And Trump hasn't helped the cause either: I can't have faith in "there are safeguards to prevent government overreach". He has not hesitated to dismantle those safeguards that prevent the US president from being world dictator, and Farage is probably watching with interest.

Its not for me.

Britcard won’t make any difference because employers who are unscrupulous will carry on using illegal immigrants. They will find a way around. Also, it’s not actually stopping people coming into the country - that’s where the focus should be.

l don’t trust a joined up digital online system. Far too easy for abusing the system by individuals who have access, by the tech company/companies involved and a real threat of government overreach. There’s also the real possibility of cyber attacks.

8 have no problem with ID cards.

I have a massive problem with it being digital only.

Can I ask a question. My disabled adult DC does not have a phone or any digital item that is portable (their choice, linked to severe autism and social anxiety). Will there be an option to have a physical card?

Laying the foundations for universal income when there are too few jobs due to everything going online and AI "helping" us to streamline costs. For universal income (to prevent civil unrest when there are too few jobs available) they need to identify who they have and where they are.

There's nothing in the mainstream media suggesting that Multiverse has been appointed. Just a few social media posts, that are purely speculation. It will probably be developed by a consortium of companies, drawing on their varying expertise. They may have done some preliminary work, but the next phases will need to go to tender.

No. Its the thin end of the wedge. We already have plenty of methods of ID.

I am not sure whether this means everyone needs to get a new digital ID card.

Or does it mean that those who already have a digital ID such as a passport which clearly demonstrates the right to live and work in UK will be able to continue to use that?

I.D cards don't bother me as i carried one for 2 decades. Digital I.D with every detail held on it is too many steps too far. The system would be hacked in no time and cause chaos and personal harm to so many. It would do bugger all to stop illegal immigration and would also cost billions to start with then millions every year going forward. It could and in fact would be used to track and control in the future.

I've no problem with it.

And?

Op public opinion probably was more like these so what posts but there’s also concern on both sides of Starmer / Labour over access and control.

Is there a reason the nursery was hacked?
Or M&S?

A cybersecurity expert has stated that it will become a target for hackers.

it’s not about me as an individual, it’s about the collective data that makes it a target.

There is also the cost... 1.2 billion pounds being touted. So, the way IT consultancy works here, that will expand to 6 billion for 70% delivery, with bug fixing done by the end user. And a large retainer for future enhancements. And the system having to be redone every few years because of mission creep - because is it really about making sure people are entitled to work in the UK... or Great Britain ( NI may have issues)?

@Soontobe60

mission creep

noun
Gradual expansion of the objectives, scope, and/or cost of a military mission without careful planning.

Security for me is the main problem, and mission creep. But in an increasingly digital world I can see all the advantages, as long as it is safe. I found this article enlightening on how it’s used around the world, and the pros and cons.
https://www.beyondencryption.com/blog/countries-most-innovative-digital-id-systems

This is what I don't get lots of people don't have smart phones.

State sanctioned cyberattacks to destabilise UK and/or democracy is a real thing, let’s not forget.

I’m actually not a conspiracy theorist nor someone who automatically sees a dystopian future, but I find the idea of a digital ID card and the potential for threats, mission creep and abuse of power by the government makes me deeply uncomfortable.

Agree with you.

It all becomes bastardised.

Allowing AI to scan bank accounts of those on UC might make some sense. But then the suggestion was to scan the accounts of anyone who pays into that UC recipients account too. Mission creep.

Everyone on my social media appears to be up in arms about it but to be honest the idea of it doesn’t bother me. Admittedly the gov already has all my details due to my job, I’ve nothing to hide as I’m a squeaky clean type ordinary person and it would probably make my working life easier. If I lived a more contrary or libertarian life I might feel differently.

I’ve been government vetted due to family/ dp job. Even my parents were checked. So quite a high level. However, I oppose ID cards.

Of course AI to scan benefit recipients’ bank accounts. We’re already there.

Add a digital ID scheme, services, AI and we’ll see the leap in ability for tech and control.

I have an ID card here in Italy where they are law, as in most countries. If anything it has made my life easier, especially now that we have digital ID cards. Same with my digital driving licence, and my right to remain card, I only need to carry my phone with my now, much better.

These posts are responded to by the wind up merchants and paranoid and why are you posting when other threads are available.

I have no issue with ID cards. They are common and very useful in many European countries with no sinister misuse.

There are some potential issues with it being digital only. If there is a non-digital option for those who need/prefer it then fine.

Totally fine, they do it in europe

I also don’t care, in fact I’ve never cared about an issue less