Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party is facing a monumental backlash over its controversial proposal to introduce mandatory digital ID cards, with leading civil liberty groups condemning the plan as a severe threat to privacy and freedom.
In a scathing joint statement, organisations including Big Brother Watch, Liberty, and the Open Rights Group have accused the party of paving the way for an 'Orwellian' national database that would fundamentally alter the relationship between the citizen and the state.
The 'Golden Database' of Citizen Information
The core of the concern lies in the proposed centralisation of personal data. The groups warn that the scheme would create a single, state-controlled "golden database" containing a vast amount of sensitive information on every citizen.
This could include biometric data, driving licenses, tax records, and immigration status, creating an unprecedented tool for surveillance and control.
A 'Poll Tax on Privacy'
Critics have slammed the initiative, labelling it a "poll tax on privacy." They argue that such a system would be excessively intrusive, costly to implement, and would place an unnecessary burden on the British public.
The statement from the coalition emphasised that the ID system would not only be an invasion of privacy but also a significant financial strain, diverting funds from other essential public services.
Undermining Trust and Fueling Discrimination
Beyond privacy, the groups highlighted the risk of exacerbating discrimination and marginalisation. They pointed to historical evidence showing that such systems disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities and those lacking fixed addresses.
There are also grave concerns about data security. A centralised repository of the entire nation's personal information would become a prime target for cyberattacks, risking catastrophic data breaches.
Labour's Position and the Growing Opposition
While Labour has positioned digital ID cards as a modern solution for secure and efficient public service delivery, the opposition is growing louder. The coalition of NGOs is demanding a complete abandonment of the policy, urging the party to focus on rebuilding trust rather than erecting surveillance infrastructure.
This fierce resistance sets the stage for a major political and ethical battle over the future of digital identity, privacy, and state power in the UK.
