ORG publishes submission to Home Affairs Committee on benefits of digital ID

The Open Rights Group (ORG) submitted evidence to the Home Affairs Committee's inquiry on digital ID, warning that the experiences of migrants using the digital immigration system offer crucial lessons for any potential rollout to UK citizens. The submission is based on interviews with over 40 migrants, which focused on the introduction of eVisas and share codes for verifying immigration status.

The research found that migrants have effectively been used as test cases for digital ID systems. The main problems identified included system errors, inaccessible design, an amplified burden of proof, exclusion from employment and housing, a lack of transparency, and no effective support or appeal process, leading to growing distress and an erosion of trust. ORG urges the Committee to consider these findings when assessing digital ID for the entire population.

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