By Graeme Wearden, 13 November 2003 09:05
NEWS The government's decision to press on with the introduction of ID cards was taken despite opposition from web users, whose opposing views have effectively been ignored.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, home secretary David Blunkett claimed that most of the public back the government's plan to bring in a national biometric identification card, and rubbished suggestions that the scheme was a threat to privacy.
Blunkett said: "Let me make it clear: no one has anything to fear from being correctly identified, but everything to fear from having their identity stolen or misused. Focus groups and polling evidence demonstrate that there is around 80 per cent support for identity cards. As the cost of secure identification will be necessary with or without ID cards, I believe that the proposals that I am setting out will win widespread support."
While some polls have found evidence that the majority of people might welcome ID cards, the government has already admitted that there is significant opposition to their introduction from tech-aware members of society.
A consultation on the issue ended in January 2003, and after months of procrastinating the Home Office eventually revealed that nearly 5,000 people had registered their opposition to the introduction of ID cards - or entitlement cards, as those in authority called them at the time.
This volume of negative responses was more then enough to tip the balance of the consultation against ID cards. The government then controversially took the decision to treat these opposing views as a mere petition, on the grounds that organisations such as Stand.org and Privacy International had created web pages that encouraged people to consider the issue and take part in the consultation.
Under the government's proposal, people renewing passports from 2007 will be issued with an ID card and will have to pay £77 at current prices - compared to £42 today. A combined identity card and driving licence will also be available at a cost of £73 instead of the £38 charged now for driving licences alone.
Once ID cards have reached 80 per cent penetration, the government says it will then decide if people will have to produce them in order to use public services.
Despite this softly-softly approach, civil rights advocates have been angered by the plans. Privacy International claims that Blunkett's scheme is unnecessary and "mathematically and technologically" impossible to achieve, and that the related security threats have been vastly understated.
Graeme Wearden writes for ZDNet UK
Comments
There are 7 comments. Join the discussion
1. Dr Mark Hosey
I can see what's comming next. The tech aware people who know, as I do, that no one can guarantee security are trying to warn the government of the fact in, I believe, a rather incoherent manner. However, in its blind ignorance the government will adopt a politically dogmatic approach to the thing and blindly believing those with financial vested interests in pushing this technology, they will (attempt to) introduce these ID cards. What they fail to realise is that it only require one smart kid with a PC, a card reader and persistence to either crack or steal the security for these ID cards and then the world of stolen identities becomes their oyster. I will resist the introduction of compulsory smart ID cards. Voluntary ones I will accept provided I have complete control of what info goes on the card because I'm the one that will suffer if some snotty little hacker manages to steal my identity. I also want control over what info I allow others access to. I will not accept a card on which security access to information is dictated by the government or authorities. I also believe that if authorities wish access to details they are not normally allowed access to they should either explicitly ask my permission or get a warrant for that and only that info they require.
I feel I can only protect my rights where I have control. Take away that control and I believe my rights may be put at risk.
2. anonymous
Stop ID theft Mr. Blunkett? Yes we all know that government computer systems are totally secure and of course having all the relevant ID information in a single place instead of spread around will make it *much* more difficult.....
3. MR.CITIZEN PRIVACY
I just do not understand why u need an ID card when u have the new hitech passport.No one is going to compell me to pay £35 for a pointless,irrelevant piece of plastic.Just because bossyboots,eccentric,control freak David Blunkett wants me to.Sorry David son,IT JUST AINT GONNA HAPPEN!!!!
4. anonymous
David Blunkett has that unfortunate, arrogant manner shown by so many self-righteous, self opinionated people who believe that they, and only they, know what is right for the rest of the population.
He justifies the cost to every member of the population by saying that people already pay for driving licenses and passports - what about those amongst us that do not drive, never travel abroad and could not afford to do either, even if they wanted to?
5. anonymous
How stupid do they think we are? Amnesty for 50,000 illegal immigrants and low and behold they've reached their immigration targets. ID cards are only unacceptable to those with something to hide! or those who would like their privacy thank you very much. In reality all thas needed is to introduce them to immigrants and assylum seekers, then the problem is resolved
6. Graciela S. Pakman-Giff
I do not see any problem in having an ID card. I am from Argentina living in England for many years now, and I was used to having an ID card and take it every where I went.People who dont have anything to hide, should have no problem in having one. In Argentina they are issued in secondary school and is part of daily life. I would like to take part in the pilot scheme, how can I go about and where can I go for it?. Can you please let me know?
7. anonymous
If the ID cards are just for security reasons etc... why are they making us pay for it. Then saying that we will not be able to use public services without it... David you need to think about this if you want an id card... you get one but i know i am not interested... not selling my soul anymore to govt.