UK Plans to Introduce Digital Identity System

Citizens oppose, fearing surveillance.

The British government has announced the introduction of a national digital identity system. However, the initiative has been met with public disapproval, gathering over 2.7 million signatures for a petition. 

Establishment’s Plans 

On September 26, Prime Minister Keir Strammer announced a new type of identity card that has been under discussion for several years. 

“The digital ID scheme will help combat illegal employment while simplifying access to vital public services for the vast majority of people,” the release states.

The so-called BritCard will be available free of charge to citizens aged 16 and over, as well as migrants with residency permits.

The digital identity card will become mandatory for verifying the right to work by the end of the parliamentary term (in July 2029). Citizens will not be required to possess such a document, but it will be necessary for official employment.

The main goal of the initiative is to counter illegal migration and simplify the bureaucratic system. However, the primary focus in statements has been on the former.

“[The technology] opens up enormous opportunities for the UK. It will make illegal work in the country more difficult and enhance the security of our borders. Additionally, it will offer numerous benefits to ordinary citizens, such as quick identity verification for access to key services, instead of searching for old utility bills,” noted Strammer. 

Public Outrage 

Immediately following the government’s announcement, an official petition appeared on the Parliament’s website against the introduction of digital passports. At the time of writing, it had been signed by 2,771,481 people.

“[The adoption of the initiative] will be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control; no one should be forced to register in a state identity system,” stated the petition’s authors.

The public, negatively inclined, compares the authorities’ idea to the plots of George Orwell’s books and other dystopias. The Daily Mail described British policy as “East German” and “despotic.”

The technology also has supporters who argue for the safety and convenience of the solution. 

A few days later, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology responded to the protest petition. Its representatives stated they would continue to promote digital IDs, reiterating points about illegal migration.

The department also emphasized the need to accelerate the digitalization of the UK, pointing to the successful experience of other European countries.

The idea of introducing digital identity cards in the country is not new. Similar plans were made by the previous Labour government under Tony Blair, but they were scrapped before coming into force in 2010 due to high costs and concerns over civil liberties.

In July 2025, the Chinese government launched digital IDs for online use, transferring responsibility for citizens’ online identification from private companies to the state.