A Revolutionary Leap: Labour's Proposed BritCard for Modern UK Digital ID & Digital Wallet
Sri Lankan MOSIP Squad to Conduct Trial on Digital Identity System
Get ready for the BritCard, a game-changing digital identity and wallet platform on the horizon. This mandatory, universal national credential is aimed at combating illegal migration and streamlining access to government services. Here's what you need to know about this exciting new proposal:
All About BritCard
- Purpose: The BritCard is designed to stamp out illegal migration by imposing stricter right-to-rent and right-to-work checks aligned with the Digital Identity and Attributes Framework (DIATF)[1][5].
- Building on Solid Foundations: It will be constructed upon the existing One Login and Gov.UK Wallet, set to be rebranded as BritCard[1][2].
Features Galore
- Digital Simplicity: The BritCard will be accessible through a mobile app, enabling users to digitally verify their identity[5].
- Government Service Synergy: It will sync with government records, making it a breeze to access services such as the National Health Service (NHS)[1].
- Expansion Potential: Over time, it could consolidate existing ID systems like national insurance numbers and driving licenses[1].
Costs and the Road Ahead
- Financial Factors: The estimated extra cost for implementing the BritCard is expected to fall between £140-400 million[1][5].
- Design Strategy: The development will employ "internet-era test-and-learn design practices" to sidestep the pitfalls commonly faced by public digital platforms[5].
The Hype and Controversy
- Mandatory Use: Critics question the mandatory nature of the BritCard, as citizens might feel compelled to use it or risk being cut off from mainstream services[2].
- Political Debates: Comparisons have been drawn between the BritCard and a "poll tax," with fears that it could isolate certain groups, recalling past contentious issues[2].
This BritCard proposal is an integral part of Labour Together's ambition to implement a progressive digital identity system, as part of a broader migration strategy[3][5]. So buckle up, as the UK gears up for a digital evolution!
The BritCard, a proposed digital identity and wallet platform, will be constructed using the existing One Login and Gov.UK Wallet as its foundation, aiming to combat illegal migration and improve access to government services. With a mobile app for digital verification and potential expansion to unify various ID systems, this technology-driven solution could revolutionize the way people interact with the government, though it faces controversy due to its mandatory nature and comparisons to historical policy issues.
