A Mandatory, All-Inclusive Digital Identity Solution: The BritCard Proposal
International TechSprint by G20 aims to devise digital identity methods, fostering financial reliability
It's time for a game-changer in the UK's digital landscape – enter the BritCard, a universal digital ID and wallet concept that's been floated by Labour Together, a think tank connected to the Labour Party. Here's what you need to know:
Bringing Things into Focus
The BritCard is more than just a digital ID; it's a mandatory credential for adult UK citizens, designed to tighten up right-to-rent and right-to-work checks as part of the Digital Identity and Attributes Framework (DIATF) [1][3][5].
The Nuts and Bolts
The BritCard will be constructed on existing platforms like One Login and Gov.UK Wallet, which will undergo a rebrand to fit under the BritCard banner [1][2]. Users will be able to download a free verifier app onto their smartphones, granting them access to an array of government services [5].
The digital ID could potentially merge existing systems such as national insurance numbers and driving licenses over time [1]. Furthermore, it may serve as a gateway to the National Health Service (NHS) [1].
Forking Over the Cash
The estimated extra cost for implementing BritCard is relatively modest, sitting between £140 and £400 million [1][5].
The Big Picture
The primary objective for BritCard is to tackle illegal migration by simplifying identity verification for work and housing purposes [1][5]. It's also seen as a cornerstone in a larger progressive migration strategy [5].
public Perception and Potential Setbacks
There's been some pushback on mandatory usage, with some individuals expressing concerns about opting out of the system entirely [2]. Additionally, there's a sense of unease that BritCard might become a digital counterpart to a "poll tax" given its compulsory nature [2].
All said and done, the BritCard proposal is a bold move that could revolutionize the UK's digital identity landscape. Whether it's a game-changer or a step too far remains to be seen. Let's keep watching this space!
The BritCard, designed for UK citizens, could eventually incorporate existing systems like national insurance numbers and driving licenses, making it a potential comprehensive digital identity solution in both the finance and technology sectors. This mandatory digital identity solution, estimated to cost between £140 and £400 million, may serve as a gateway to government services, including the National Health Service, and aims to simplify identity verification for work and housing purposes, particularly in the industry of immigration.
