STORY
In a major new policy development, the UK Government today indicated plans to introduce a compulsory digital identity card for all adults residing in the country. The so-called ‘Brit Card’ proposes to act as the primary vehicle for verifying an individual’s right to live, work, rent property and access certain services.
Sources at the Home Office said the measure aims to tighten immigration control and reduce fraudulent use of identity documents. Under the plans, starting a new job or entering into rental agreements would require individuals to present their digital ID via a smartphone app or other secure verification method tied to a central registry. The Government claims that this system will make it much harder for people without legal status to work or claim tenancy, by closing loopholes in existing identity checks.
Details of the plans are expected to be announced by the Prime Minister within the next day, in the hope of reasserting his authority after some troubled weeks.