Is Your Teen Ready for a Digital ID? The UK Government's Controversial Proposal Explained

The UK government is set to consult on whether to extend its planned digital ID scheme to children aged 13 to 16. This initiative aims to implement digital IDs for all UK citizens and residents by 2029, but will only be mandatory for individuals seeking employment. The proposal, which has elicited significant backlash and nearly three million signatures against it, is defended by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. She noted that many 13-year-olds already utilize digital IDs, arguing that a standardized system could be beneficial, particularly as children can work part-time from age 14, and in some areas, from age 13.

The digital ID will be available for free and can simplify the process for employers who must verify IDs as part of Right to Work checks. Critics, including the civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, have labeled the scheme as ”Orwellian” and warn of potential mass surveillance and digital control. They question the ethics behind enrolling minors in a biometric ID system. The Liberal Democrats also voiced concerns about this move as a form of state overreach, reflecting a growing anxiety about the implications of government surveillance on young individuals.

Internationally, digital ID systems already exist in countries like Estonia, Denmark, and Canada, and the European Union is pushing forward with an eID Wallet scheme slated for all member states by 2026. Amidst this global trend, Parliament is deciding whether to normalize digital identification among much younger demographics, drawing strong contrasting opinions from various political factions and advocacy groups.