Key Highlights
- Cabinet Office Minister Darren Jones relaunched voluntary digital ID scheme.
- Digital ID was previously scrapped due to public backlash and security concerns.
- New scheme aims to make life easier for accessing public services, but faces criticism from the Conservatives.
- Ministers will consult with the public on how the technology should work.
The Relaunch of Digital ID: A Voluntary Approach?
Cabinet Office Minister Darren Jones has announced a relaunched voluntary digital ID scheme, aiming to make life easier for accessing public services. But don’t be fooled by the promise of convenience; this move is met with skepticism from the Conservatives and concerns over security.
A U-Turn on Compulsory Use
Darren Jones unveiled a prototype of what he calls “government by app” at a press conference in Downing Street. The digital ID will be held in a wallet on smartphones, allowing people to manage childcare or fill out tax returns more easily. However, the original intention of cracking down on illegal working has been compromised as the government ditched plans to make it compulsory for right-to-work checks.
“People too often dread their interactions with public services,” Jones said. “Endless telephone calls, complicated printed forms and having to tell your story multiple times to different parts of government. I want to change that and make public services work for you.”
Criticism from the Opposition
The Conservatives have labelled this as a “costly vanity project.” Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said, “This consultation is another step towards a digital ID scheme that has become nothing more than a costly vanity project.” He added, “The Conservatives are completely opposed to any move towards mandatory digital ID and will stand firmly against it.”
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart also voiced concerns. “People should not be forced to turn over their data simply to go about their daily lives.” She warned that the scheme must ensure privacy to prevent misuse or surveillance.
The People’s Panel
Jones insists on taking a public consultation approach, setting up a “people’s panel” with 100 individuals from across the country to advise on how the technology should work. The cost of this digital ID scheme will not be revealed until after the consultation.
He believes that it could save taxpayers billions in the long run by cutting red tape and making public services more efficient. However, critics argue that voluntary schemes can quickly become essential, creating barriers for people who cannot engage digitally.
The Technical Details
The digital ID scheme will be based on two government-built systems: Gov.uk One Login and Gov.uk Wallet. Gov.uk One Login is a single account for accessing public services online, while the wallet could eventually allow citizens to store their digital ID—name, date of birth, nationality, residence status, and a photo—on their smartphones.
Users will need a Gov.uk One Login to access the wallet. The system will be built in-house by the Government Digital Service rather than being outsourced to private companies.
Jones promised that it would not leave people behind, especially those who are less confident with technology or don’t have other forms of ID like passports.
While the government claims this is an essential step for modernizing public services, the backlash from critics and the opposition suggests that this digital transformation may face significant hurdles. The true test will come when the public gets a chance to voice their opinions on what’s being proposed.
You might think this is new, but… it’s been tried before with mixed results. Let’s see if Darren Jones can pull off something different here.
