Committees

Harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification

Inquiry

Digital ID can refer to many different aspects of a person’s identity which can be recorded and stored digitally, including names and demographic information, digital versions of government-issued documents such as visas, or even biometric information like a fingerprint or face scan.

In an increasingly digital world, several countries have begun to develop digital ID systems to support functions like identification, proof of residence and facilitating access to government services.

There have been calls for the UK to adopt digital ID, with those arguing for its introduction saying it would have benefits like improving citizens’ access to services and supporting more effective enforcement of immigration rules.

The Government has already taken steps to introduce some digital forms of ID. For example, the Home Office has introduced eVisas, while the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is leading the introduction of digital driver’s licences.

This inquiry will examine what benefits the introduction of new digital forms of ID could bring for reducing crime and managing migration. It will explore concerns about privacy and security as well as the practical challenges to realising the potential benefits of digital ID.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 21 August 2025.

Upcoming events

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Past events

Tuesday 3 March 2026
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification - Oral evidence 3 March 2026
2:30pm
  • Mike Tapp MP (Minister for Migration and Citizenship at Home Office)
  • Dan Hobbs (Director General, Migration and Borders Group at Home Office)
  • Rt Hon Darren Jones MP (Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Cabinet Office)
  • Phillipa Rouse (Programme Director, Digital ID Taskforce at Cabinet Office)
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Wednesday 28 January 2026
9:00am Private
9:30am Public
Harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification - Oral evidence 28 January 2026
9:30am
  • Alex Hall-Chen (Principal Policy Advisor, Sustainability, Skills, and Employment at Institute of Directors)
  • David Crack (Chair at The Association of Digital Verification Professionals)
  • Joanna Hunt (Partner, Head of Immigration at DAC Beachcroft)
10:30am
  • Dr Kuba Jablonowski (Lecturer at University of Bristol)
  • Monique Hawkins (Head of Policy and Advocacy at the3million)
The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Tuesday 18 November 2025
2:00pm Private
2:30pm Public
Harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification - Oral evidence 18 November 2025
2:30pm
  • Laura Foster (Associate Director, Tech and Innovation at techUK)
  • Alexander Iosad (Director of Government Innovation at Tony Blair Institute)
  • Professor Edgar Whitley (Professor in Practice (Information Systems) at London School of Economics)
3:30pm
  • James Baker (Program Manager at Open Rights Group)
  • Silkie Carlo (Director at Big Brother Watch)
  • Ruth Ehrlich (Head of Policy and Campaigns at Liberty)
Room 15, Palace of Westminster

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