UK Plans Mandatory Digital ID to Combat Illegal Work Spark Privacy Debate

The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to introduce a mandatory digital ID system aimed at combating illegal immigration by restricting illegal migrants' ability to work and simplifying access to public services such as childcare and welfare. The digital ID, held on mobile phones, will be mandatory for Right to Work checks and is part of a broader crackdown on illegal employment and border control. While some citizens support the initiative for modernizing public services and addressing immigration concerns, the proposal has sparked significant debate over civil liberties and data privacy. Privacy advocates and data protection experts warn that the scheme risks creating a surveillance state and could become a target for hackers, undermining public trust in government data security. Critics also argue the policy may unfairly impact vulnerable migrants and create social divisions without effectively deterring illegal migration. The discussion echoes historical resistance to national ID systems in the UK, highlighting the balance between security measures and protecting individual freedoms.