Numerous politicians criticized United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement to make digital IDs “mandatory” for British citizens. Starmer claimed requiring every employee to hold a digital identity document would make it tougher to work in the United Kingdom illegally. “This government will make a new free-of-charge digital ID mandatory for the right to work by the end of this parliament,” Starmer said. “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID, it’s as simple as that,” he continued. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele compared digital IDs to the mark of the beast. Over 1.6 million people have signed a petition opposing Starmer’s digital ID mandate. The petition states “no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system,” which it describes as a “step towards mass surveillance and digital control.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis compared digital IDs to George Orwell’s novel, “1984.” “A so-called ‘digital ID’ is very 1984-ish. Hope our friends across the pond will reject this — a precursor to even more government control,” he said. The government has unveiled details around plans for a new digital ID card to be held on people’s phones. The digital ID, dubbed the ‘Brit Card’ by some, will provide proof of identity and residency status in the UK and is part of a wider push to combat illegal immigration. It will be stored on devices in the same way contactless payment cards or the NHS App are, though some reports suggest that those who do not want to carry a digital ID card or do not operate digitally could be given a physical card instead. Keir Starmer has said it is part of a wider push to tackle illegal immigration and will be mandatory as a means of proving the right to work, but people will not generally be required to carry it or be asked to produce it. However, the plans have been met with widespread concerns, with more than half a million people already signing a petition against the idea. The digital ID will be given to all UK citizens and legal residents, the government has said. It will be up to each individual whether they use it, but it will be compulsory for anyone who wants to work in the UK.
