Introduction

Liberty is opposed to the ID Card scheme and the National Identity Register (NIR).

If completed, the NIR would be the world’s biggest biometric database, holding 52 pieces of information on every adult who remains in the UK for longer than three months.

As well as being a tremendous waste of public money, the scheme will cost us personally, both financially and in terms of our privacy and relationship with the state.

Find out more about why Liberty opposes ID cards.

The ID Card Scheme

Since plans for ID cards began in 2002 the government has chopped and changed between making them voluntary or compulsory. Opposition in Parliament forced them to drop plans to allow government ministers to require registration on the NIR. However, they were able to push through compulsion by the back door by compelling registration when we apply for or renew ‘designated documents’ such as passports. The reality is still that over the next few years more and more of us will be forced to have ID cards.

Who will register first?

2008 – Compulsory for Non-EU nationals in an order determined by the Government

2009 – Compulsory for those who work in “sensitive” jobs in airports
 
2010 – Voluntary scheme for students

But the Government still plans to compel most of us within the next few years.

Plans are still in place for anyone renewing or getting a passport (and possibly driving licence or other documents including Criminal Record Bureau check). This is envisaged starting in 2009-10 but this may well change.

Opposition to the scheme is growing…

When ID cards were first suggested (on a voluntary basis) the government had the support of 80% of the public.

However, as people learn more about the scheme they question its cost and effectiveness. They also grow ever more concerned about the privacy and race relations implications.

Polls now indicate support to have dropped below 50% (ICM Research, PDF)