Controversial bid by Labour to create digital IDs to use in galaxy of services - but will it be safe?
Labour's controversial plans to introduce digital identities will be used for a range of services from buying age-restricted collect a parcel from the Post Office or open a bank account.
The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill was unveiled during the King's Speech last week plans to create a framework that offers a more trusted digital identity services and make transactions more secure.
The legislation will allow for a system of 'trust marks' issued to services that meet the Government's standards and would be available on a public register for a number of certified services for businesses and users to look up.
The digital ID system will not be compulsory - people will still be able to use physical documents to prove their identities - however, the newly formed Labour government say it will be 'easier' for the public.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: 'Digital identity services are already being used by millions of people to save them time.
Keir Starmer's government unveiled the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill during the King's speech last week
The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill was unveiled during the King's Speech last week plans to create a framework that offers a more trusted digital identity services and make transactions more secure. Pictured: File photo of what a digital ID could look like
'When people choose to use them, these services cut down admin and increase security making it much easier to open bank accounts, start jobs, rent flats and much more.
'Our legislation will make sure that people can fully trust these services. We will give certified services a trust mark so people can find the digital identity providers that are following our strict security and data processing rules.'
The King's Speech set out the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, saying it would enable new, 'innovative' uses of data to help boost the economy.
Under the new legislation, digital verification services would be established, the Government said, which would include digital identity products to help the public quickly and securely share key information about themselves as they use online services in their everyday life.
Sir Tony Blair recently urged the Prime Minister to introduce digital identity cards, saying they would help to control migration.
Sir Tony Blair recently urged the Prime Minister to introduce digital identity cards, saying they would help to control migration
Sir Tony, who championed ID cards when he was in office only for the idea to be killed off after Labour lost power, said the world was moving to a digital form of the document. But the new Labour Government rejected the call.
But the idea was previously called 'creepy' and led to concerns when Sir Tony raised the issue last year.
Ex-Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry branded digital IDs 'a creepy state plan to track you from the cradle to the grave'.
Meanwhile campaign group Big Brother Watch condemned Sir Tony for 'reviving failed proposals for an intrusive mass digital identity system and a database state'.
