Brit Card: UK announces new digital ID plan — what it means
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a national digital ID called the “Brit Card”, based on the One Login infrastructure already used by government. Officials say it will be required for all working adults to prove the right to work, and that digital credentials will be stored on users’ own devices using “state-of-the-art encryption and authentication”. The government also plans outreach and face-to-face support for people who can’t use smartphones, including homeless and older people.
Key points
- Purpose: Verify right to work, crack down on illegal immigration and exploitative employment schemes.
- Technology: Based on existing One Login infrastructure; credentials stored on users’ devices.
- Support: Plans for outreach and in-person help for those offline or less digitally confident.
- Concerns: Critics warn about civil liberties, extra personal data collection, and risks of misuse or theft of sensitive data.
Voices
“It will send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work…” — statement from the Prime Minister’s office
“No system is immune to failure… If world-leading companies cannot protect our data, I have little faith that Whitehall would be able to do better.” — David Davis, Conservative MP
Pros and cons
Potential benefits
- Stronger checks on eligibility to work could reduce illegal employment and exploitation.
- Centralised digital verification could streamline services and reduce fraud.
Risks
- Collecting more personal data raises civil liberties and surveillance concerns.
- Data breaches or misuse could put sensitive information at risk.
- Dependence on digital systems may disadvantage those without access or tech skills.
Further reading
- IBTimes summary: BritCard 2025: Keir Starmer confirms digital ID — what we know
- Independent coverage: Independent: reaction and analysis
- UK government: gov.uk — for official guidance and legislation updates (see Data and identity policy pages)
Note: Original reporting on this story has appeared across several outlets. This post avoids linking to the Engadget RSS source cited in an initial summary and instead links to broader coverage and official government pages for context.