The Government said last month that it was drafting legislation to create a UK identity card scheme. These are intended to store basic personal information (such as name, age, nationality, whether a person has a right to work and a unique identifier), a digital photo, and a biometric, which could include facial recognition, iris scans or fingerprints.
It proposes linking the cards to a national secure database to which many services "public and private" would have limited access to verify identity.
For most UK citizens, the card will take the form of a biometric passport, the groundwork for which is already underway so that the UK can meet tough international security requirements (particularly those relating to entry into the US). These passports are due to start being issued from 2005, and will replace older passports as they are renewed. Biometric driving licenses are also proposed.
The Government anticipates that 80% of the UK's adult population would have an ID card by 2013 if passports and driving licences are issued on the proposed biometric basis. The card would become compulsory thereafter for all UK residents, but only after a decision by the Cabinet and a vote in Parliament.
As part of the preparation for the biometric passport, the Government is launching a six-month trial of the technology, beginning in January. This will be run by the UK's Passport Service, and will help authorities understand how biometrics will work, what the card scheme will cost, and how people will react.
Ten thousand volunteers from all sections of society will be recruited by pollsters Mori to take part in the scheme.
In announcing the trial, Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said:
"We are building the foundations for a compulsory national identity card scheme, and are moving ahead with the development and testing of this cutting-edge technology."
She added:
"By using biometric data, linked to a national database, we can provide a modern, secure means of confirming identity, helping us to crack down on identity fraud, immigration abuse, illegal working and organised crime. We will also be in a much better position to ensure that our free public services are only used by those who are actually entitled to them."
Human rights group Liberty immediately attacked her comments. The group's director, Shami Chakrabarti, said:
"At least Beverley Hughes has had the honesty to admit there will be nothing voluntary about this scheme. No-one can now be in any doubt that what is being proposed is a compulsory national identity card. To obtain a biometric passport one must first prove identity using existing documentation. Criminals will obtain a passport with a false name but a 'genuine' iris scan. Rather than tackle identity fraud this scheme will help legitimise it."