UK Plans Mandatory Digital ID by 2029 Amid Security and Civil Liberty Concerns

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a mandatory digital ID system, dubbed "Britcard," expected to be implemented by 2029 to strengthen right-to-work checks and curb illegal immigration, particularly the influx via small boats. The digital ID would reside in a government app on citizens' smartphones, incorporating biometric data and encrypted credentials, with the government citing examples from countries like Estonia and Australia. However, the plan faces significant opposition from civil liberties groups, several political parties, and cybersecurity experts who warn that centralizing such sensitive data creates a massive hacking target and privacy risks. Critics also question the scheme's efficacy in reducing irregular migration, noting that similar ID systems in European countries have not eliminated such issues. Additionally, concerns arise about the cost, potential impact on vulnerable groups including trans individuals, and the security implications of phone theft and data breaches. While supporters argue the scheme could modernize identity verification and improve audit trails in sectors like gambling and finance, the government has yet to clarify funding details and operational transparency, fueling political and public backlash.