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A universal digital ID system, long a political football, is now being fast-tracked with a new push from the government and surprising cross-party support from Sir Keir Starmer and Labour. The proposal, dubbed "BritCard," is touted as a critical measure to combat illegal immigration and overhaul public services, with plans to make the system mandatory for all UK residents, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
While various digital ID initiatives have been in development for over a decade, this is the first time there has been significant political consensus to make such a system universal and compulsory. Building on existing projects like "One Login," the government is now exploring the "BritCard" concept as a free, secure smartphone app that would consolidate a person's identity credentials. This would allow for seamless access to a range of services from the NHS to welfare benefits, while also making it more difficult for individuals to work or rent property illegally.
The system is not just for immigrants; it would apply to everyone. This has sparked a debate among civil liberties groups who fear it could lead to a "papers, please" society and exclude those without a smartphone or digital literacy. Nonetheless, recent polling suggests a high level of public support for a digital ID, with the government and Labour both keen to demonstrate they are taking decisive action on immigration and public sector efficiency. The "Data (Use and Access) Act" has already laid the legal groundwork, with further regulations expected soon to formalize the system.
