The UK government has announced a new plan to introduce a Mandatory Digital ID system for all citizens by 2029. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the goal is to curb illegal immigration and make it harder for undocumented people to find work. Supporters believe the digital ID will improve access to public services. It will also help reduce identity fraud and make verification faster and easier.
However many critics warn that the plan raises serious privacy concerns. Civil liberties groups argue that storing personal information on a government app could lead to misuse and state overreach. Opposition parties have also questioned whether the system will actually stop illegal immigration.
More than half of UK citizens now support some form of digital ID according to recent polls. But resistance remains strong among privacy advocates. They fear the plan could turn the country into what they call a “checkpoint society”.
The government says the Mandatory Digital ID will be free of charge. It will be available on smartphones and linked to a secure central database. It will verify a person’s right to work vote and access public services.
Despite the criticism the government insists the new system will bring long term benefits. It believes the digital ID will modernize public service access and strengthen border security.
