Earlier this month, the United Kingdom government announced the introduction of government-backed digital IDs.
The IDs will allow people to use their smartphones to buy alcohol in pubs, clubs, and shops. Scheduled for rollout next year, they’re part of a broader effort to digitize state functions, including paying taxes, opening bank accounts, and more.
The digital IDs are voluntary and will be issued by certified providers that meet government standards for security and reliability. They’ll allow for quick and potentially contactless age verification without revealing personal details such as name and address.
However, privacy advocates are concerned that it is the beginning of more Nanny State involvement in citizens’ lives and will lead to more tracking, tracing, and loss of privacy. Some critics noted the voluntary approach and limited scope of the digital IDs are stepping stones to making them mandatory after a successful test.
Balancing progress and innovation with privacy and liberty
Across the …