Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposed mandatory Digital ID system in the UK has sparked significant public backlash, with over 2.8 million citizens opposing it due to concerns over mass surveillance and privacy. The initiative, termed ‘Brit Card,’ aims to curb illegal immigration by requiring digital IDs for work, but critics argue its impact may be minimal compared to the privacy risks.
The ID program, dubbed ‘Brit Card’ and announced last week by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to be rolled out by August 2029 in an attempt by the Labour government to crack down on illegal immigration. The system would bar anyone without a digital ID from working in the UK.
Critics of the plan argue that its effects on illegal immigration will not be significant enough to justify the privacy concerns it poses. The UK’s left and right political factions have both expressed opposition to the policy, with some accusing the government of overreaching in its approach to immigration control.
The White House confirmed to Fox News Digital that this controversial step to curb immigration is not currently being considered by President Donald Trump, despite his commitment to curbing illegal immigration and his security crackdowns in cities across the U.S. However, the U.S. does not currently have a federal digital ID system, though more than a dozen states have begun issuing mobile driver’s licenses.
Security expert Eric Starr, founder and CEO of Ultrapass Identity Corp, explained that digital IDs, when implemented properly, are not as concerning as many opponents believe. He argued that digital IDs are issued to individuals and stored in digital wallets, not central locations, reducing risks of mass surveillance.
Starr also pointed out that the UK’s approach of making digital IDs mandatory without providing sufficient detail has contributed to the controversy. He suggested that governments have the right to know their citizens but emphasized that safeguards for personal privacy must be built into the system from the start.
Experts like Starr believe that the fear surrounding digital IDs often stems from a lack of understanding. He emphasized that a federal digital ID would simply include information the government already has access to, such as passport details. However, the main concern is protecting personal information from identity theft, which has become a growing issue due to mass cyber breaches.
Starr explained that decentralized digital ID systems are more secure than centralized databases used by institutions like hospitals, which have been vulnerable to cyber attacks. He acknowledged that while there are solutions, the issue primarily revolves around education, fear, and the need for properly conceived systems to prevent exploitation.
The debate over digital IDs continues to highlight a broader tension between national security and individual privacy, with stakeholders on both sides of the political spectrum expressing strong opinions on the matter.