A notable absence from today’s Committee Meeting on the UK government’s mandatory digital ID will be the 40+ leading identity providers certified under the UK DIATF.
In October, the government announced that BritCard would be used to prove the right to work in the UK and would be closely linked to increased enforcement of employment checks intended to deter illegal migration.
Identity providers have repeatedly called for a meeting with the GDS and oFDIA to discuss the proposals and view the policy as a major turning point. Yet tomorrow’s Parliamentary committee, which will hear oral evidence from think tanks and privacy campaigners, will proceed without representation from the private sector.
Alongside BritCard, the government has already introduced eVisas to evidence immigration status, and digital driving licences are due to be piloted soon, with full rollout planned by the end of 2027. A new GOV.UK digital wallet for smartphones has also been launched, allowing official documents to be stored in one secure account.
However, critics warn that digital ID systems could be vulnerable to hacking, erode privacy, and risk excluding individuals with limited digital skills.
The Committee will examine the key benefits and risks of digital ID, with particular attention to its role in managing the immigration system—a purpose that many argue may struggle to secure long-term public support.
