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Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to roll out digital ID cards as a mandatory requirement to work in the UK.
The Prime Minister hailed it as a tool that would help curb illegal migration, but the proposal has faced intense backlash.
Concerns have been raised over privacy, and that digital IDs could pose a cybersecurity risk.
More than 1.5 million people and counting have signed a petition calling for the digital ID to be scrapped.
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ID cards were last considered under Tony Blair in the late 00s, with idea shelved by the coalition government.
But which countries have already introduced digital ID schemes? Read on to find out.
Estonia
Estonia’s cutting-edge digital ID scheme has been cited as a model case for how a UK system would work.
As well as allowing citizens to access government services, from tax to applying for nursery places, it is also used for electronic voting in elections.
The ‘smart card’ also helps verify identity for age-restricted websites and online content and even supports digital signatures.
China
The world’s most populous country enforces a compulsory ID scheme for all citizens.
From 2022, the Chinese government announced that a digital version would be introduced.
In July this year, a new system was launched, allowing further surveillance of citizens’ activities.
The new online pass will also be used to verify age on the internet.
India
The world’s largest biometric ID system, Aadhaar, was first launched in India in 2016.
It comprises of a 12-digit identity number which can be voluntarily obtained by all Indian residents.
The scheme has been the subject of several court rulings over privacy.
While the scheme is officially voluntary, but has expanded rapidly as it has become increasingly necessary for certain activities, including receiving benefits.
United States
The US made steps towards introducing a national digital ID with the Digital Identity Act of 2021.
However, several states have already introduced electronic ID schemes, the first being Colorado in 2019.
In 2022, California started piloting a scheme to allow citizens to use digital ID to access certain government services.
Since returning to power, Donald Trump has rolled back several of the Biden era cybersecurity measures, including digital ID provisions.
Singapore
The SingPass service streamlines access to government services through a unique digital ID.
It allows citizens and residents to carry out a range of activities with a single login, such as booking healthcare appointments and banking.
The digital card also serves as a proof of identity within the city state.
The full list of countries with digital ID systems
- EU (planned)
- China
- Costa Rica
- Singapore
- South Korea
- UAE
- Canada
- Japan
- India
Italy
Identity cards are widely used in Italy, although citizens are not legally required to carry them around.
From 2016, physical cards have been phased out and replaced with an electronic version.
UAE
In April, the Emirates announced plans to replace physical ID cards with a facial recognition-based digital ID system.
Known as UAE Pass, the new electronic ID is accessed via a dedicated smartphone application and will allow residents to authenticate themselves for a range of transactions and both public and private services.
The EU
From 2026, citizens, residents and businesses in all EU member states will be able to apply for a European Digital Identity Wallet.
According to the European Commission, the scheme will allow for better access to public services, with improved cybersecurity and fraud prevention.
It will also cut costs for businesses by making it easier for them to identify and authenticate their customers.
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