UK to relaunch digital ID scheme, King’s Speech confirms
The UK government will relaunch its controversial digital ID program as a voluntary scheme, according to the King’s Speech delivered by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday.
“My Ministers will also proceed with the introduction of Digital ID that will modernize how citizens interact with public services [Digital Access to Services Bill]” the King said, outlining the government’s law making agenda.
The King's Speech, a centuries-old tradition marking the start of a new parliamentary session, is written by ministers and read by the monarch in the House of Lords. It typically confirms policies that are already in motion rather than introducing new proposals.
Among the headline measures was confirmation that legislation will proceed on digital identity – despite a recent government U-turn.
Originally pitched as a tool to crack down on illegal working, the scheme will no longer be mandatory for right-to-work checks.
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First conceived under Tony Blair’s Labour government, digital ID has shifted from what was once described as a "silver bullet” against illegal immigration to a system that can help employers verify new hires.
UK ID scheme now voluntary, King confirms
Under the new scheme, the government is positioning it as an optional tool for those without traditional identification such as passports or driving licences.
The policy shift follows mounting public backlash, including a petition signed by 3 million people, alongside concerns over privacy, cybersecurity risks and the potential for state overreach.
Silkie Carlo, director of privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch, argued that even a voluntary plan would lead to more governmental control of people’s lives, and that the UK should drop it entirely.
“Access to public services we all pay for should never require a digital ID. This would inevitably be an intrusive, multi billion pound system no one wants, no one voted for, and that has no real purpose."
Silkie Carlo, director, Big Brother Watch
“Plans so far have indicated that the digital ID would be a cradle to grave system ripe for mass surveillance and more government control over people’s lives," she added.
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill
Alongside digital ID, the UK also pledged stronger cyber defences through a forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.
The legislation will expand regulation further sectors it deems critical, which includes data centers, EV charging stations and home heating systems, with tougher turnover based fines for non-compliance.
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