The new initiative, which will utilize smartphones and facial recognition technology, aims to streamline various government functions, from purchasing alcohol and accessing veteran services to paying taxes and accessing bank accounts.
According to government sources, the digital ID system, available through certified companies, will allow individuals to prove their age and identity instantly when entering pubs, clubs and shops, as well as for various online transactions.
The technology promises more efficient service delivery, particularly for veterans, who will gain quicker access to support programs through digital veteran cards.
"Young people will be able to use government-backed digital ID cards to prove they are old enough to drink alcohol under legal changes to take effect next year," the Telegraph said in a report Sunday, Dec. 8. "They will be able to sign up to digital ID companies that are certified against Government-set standards for security and reliability and then use the app on their smartphone to prove they are over 18 when visiting pubs, restaurants and shops. It is part of a wider effort to move more state functions online so that people can prove their identity for everything from paying taxes to opening a bank account using the government-backed app."
Critics, however, have raised significant concerns over the potential for state overreach and the creation of a two-tiered society. David Kurten, leader of the U.K. Heritage Party, warns that the program could eventually become mandatory, leading to a scenario where those without digital IDs face discrimination and barriers in accessing services.
Another point of contention is the potential for the government to remotely disable digital IDs, effectively barring individuals from essential activities if they are deemed to have violated unspecified norms. Critics liken this to social credit systems, which they claim can be used to monitor and control citizen behavior....<<<Read More>>>...