The UK is introducing a mandatory digital ID scheme, called BritCard, for all legal residents aged 16 and over, starting with a mandatory requirement for employment. A Digital ID normally stores core attributes such as name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo for biometric checks.
What is digital ID?
A digital ID scheme also known “BritCard” or “Brit Card” for adult residents of the United Kingdom was announced by the prime minister. The free digital ID will be stored on smartphones and become mandatory for proving the right to work in the UK. This scheme will combat illegal immigration by preventing unauthorized workers from finding employment. Digital identity systems can offer efficiency, fraud reduction and privacy protection (PDF).
How will the digital ID work?
UK prime minister Keir Starmer announced that a new digital ID system would be implemented by the government to tackle illegal migration. Employers will use a free verification app to check workers’ right-to-work status against a central database. Your free digital ID will be stored securely on your phone and will help to prove your identity, including age and residency status.
Your free digital ID will be stored securely on your phone and will help to prove your identity. It is expected to be rolled out to all UK citizens and legal residents by the end of this Parliament.
What data will be held
The new digital ID will be the authoritative proof of who someone is and their residency status in this country.
It will therefore include:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Information on nationality or residency status
- A photo – as the basis for biometric security – just like an eVisa or Passport, but updated for the modern digital world we live in.
Millions of people in the UK lack access to traditional proofs of identity like passports. This means it can be difficult to prove your eligibility for services such as opening a bank account. Digital ID will give you free, secure identity verification.