The United Kingdom launched an effort to roll out digital IDs to combat illegal working schemes.
“I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
“We are doing the hard graft to deliver a fairer Britain for those who want to see change, not division. That is at the heart of our Plan for Change, which is focused on delivering for those who want to see their communities thrive again,” he said.
The plan seeks to combat gangs wanting access to the labor market and saves time for UK citizens and legal residents. The IDs will “make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records” and will be held on an individual’s phone,” a government statement describes.
Several other countries have implemented digital IDs, including Australia, Estonia, Denmark, and India.
The UK announced earlier this year that it plans to launch an app supporting digital identification.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said that the digital wallet “will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.”
“For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before,” Kyle explained. “Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data.”
