If I want to confirm I'm me, I want to be able to do so anywhere, across the
Internet or in person. The government's proposals don't achieve that and
seem anachronistic and parochial. National ID cards are a solution to
yesterday's problems. I'll get a digital certificate, when or if I need one.
My preferred option to put a digital certificate onto a photocard gets one
sentence. In the mean time, the photo ID from my employer seems to work just
fine for everybody else.
Thinking about a national ID card made me realise that I trust a private
company like VeriSign to administer an ID scheme more than the government. I
understand the profit motive when it's the only motive. The credit card
companies, banks and building societies that I deal with manage to keep my
personal information secure most of the time and are subject to outside
scrutiny and regulation. If they don't I go elsewhere. They also have some
freedom to operate across national borders. Governments have too much power
to change the rules when they don't suit.
I may be forced to give in and get a photo driving license, though. It seems
that's the only way I'll be able to fly anywhere in the UK. So the
government might get its wish by the back door.
Allan
-----Original Message-----
From: Adam Warren [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 04 July 2002 12:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: National ID (entitlement) cards
Afternoon All,
I'd be interested in the List's views on Blunkett's "consultation" exercise
concerning "Entitlement" Cards. He gave 3 reasons for introducing such
cards:
1. Easier access to services;
2. Tighter control of fraud;
3. Stricter control of illegal employment.
Are any of the above valid reasons to introduce a national ID card? Can
they be tackled by other means? Are there any circumstances under which a
national ID card can be justified?
Personally, I find the proposal for a unique ID number that could be cross-
referenced with other government databases a particular cause for concern.
Your comments please.
Adam Warren
PhD Researcher
---------------------------------
Department of Information Science
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
UK
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