UK to Mandate Digital IDs for Employment by 2029, Sparking privacy Debate
LONDON - The UK government announced plans to require adults to possess a digital ID stored on the forthcoming GOV.UK wallet app as a condition of employment, with enforcement slated for July 2029. The move, unveiled in a press release, aims to combat illegal working and bolster border security, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“Digital ID is an enormous possibility for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure,” Starmer stated. “And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove yoru identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
Currently in development,the GOV.UK wallet app was initially presented as an optional tool for digitizing driver’s licenses and other government-issued documents. The government website currently describes the app as “entirely optional.” However,the new policy marks a significant shift towards mandatory adoption.
The scheme requires parliamentary approval and will be subject to a public consultation later this year to gather feedback on its implementation.
The proclamation has drawn sharp criticism from civil liberties groups. Big brother Watch characterized the plan as fundamentally altering the relationship between citizens and the state, warning it could transform the UK into a “‘papers, please’ society.” A petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards has garnered over 830,000 signatures, fueled by concerns over mass surveillance and digital control.
The UK currently lacks a national citizen ID card and does not legally mandate citizens to carry photographic identification.The push for digital ID comes amidst heightened public debate surrounding migrant boat crossings and increasing pressure from the Reform UK party.
Similar digital identity initiatives are underway elsewhere. the European Union is preparing to launch its own Digital Identity Wallet next year, intended to facilitate secure identification for accessing digital services and storing digital documents.
