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.