New UK digital IDs not compulsory

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has provided further details about its proposed new digital identity scheme. 

Responding to the petition on the Parliament website, which now has received more than 2.8 million signatures, the government stated that the digital ID, which is not a physical card, will be available free of charge to all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over, with consultation on potentially lowering the age to 13. While obtaining the ID will not be compulsory, it will be mandatory for certain applications.

The initiative, which will be built on existing systems, such as GOV.UK One Login and the GOV.UK Wallet aims to allow seamless access to a range of public and private sector services, such as benefits or tax records, without needing multiple logins or physical documents. However, the initial application will be the mandatory use of the digital ID by employers to conduct "right to work" checks by the end of this Parliament. 

The government stressed that privacy and security will be central to the programme. The system will be built using modern, secure technology, similar to phone wallets, and will adhere to data protection laws. The government notes that digital credentials are considered more secure than physical documents, which are susceptible to loss, copying, or forgery. The government also confirmed that it will not be a criminal offence not to hold the ID, and police will not be able to demand to see it as part of a "stop and search." A public consultation will be launched to co-design the scheme before legislation is brought forward.