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Pounding the Pavement with BritCard: Labour Think-Tank Proposes UK Digital ID and Wallet
Here's the scoop on BritCard, the pioneering digital ID and wallet concept pitched by Labour Together - a think tank that's tight-knit with the Labour Party. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of this innovative proposal.
A Solid Foundation for BritCard
- The Need: BritCard is designed to establish a compulsory, all-inclusive digital identity for UK citizens that can be employed to tackle issues like illegal migration, whilst facilitating easy access to government services and identity confirmation for purposes like renting and employment[1][5].
- Underlying Infrastructure: BritCard will be constructed using existing technology, such as One Login and Gov.UK Wallet, which will be given a facelift[1][2].
A Plethora of Features to Connect Us All
- Digital ID: BritCard will link to government records, making it effortless to access various government services[1].
- Universality: It will be issued for free to every adult in the UK, eventually replacing existing systems such as national insurance numbers and driving licenses[1][3].
- Healthcare Streamlining: BritCard could provide a convenient gateway to the National Health Service (NHS)[1].
- On-the-Go Availability: The digital ID will be accessible through a smartphone app, ensuring accessibility for the masses[5].
The Financials Behind BritCard
- Estimated Expenses: The estimated cost to implement BritCard falls between £140-400 million, a figure that's budget-friendly compared to other national infrastructure projects[1][5].
- Design Philosophy: The plan advocates the adoption of internet-era "test-and-learn" strategies to dodge common snags faced by public sector digital platforms[5].
Stumbling Blocks on the Path to BritCard
- Compulsory Adoption: The proposal's mandatory nature may stir privacy concerns and debates over digital exclusion[2].
- Tarred with the Poll Tax Brush: BritCard has been compared to the controversial poll tax, which was met with widespread opposition in the late 1980s in the UK[2].
- The proposal for BritCard, a digital ID and wallet solution, lies at the intersection of policy-and-legislation and politics, as it seeks to address issues of illegal migration, digital exclusion, and streamline access to government services.
- The implementation of BritCard, with an estimated cost of £140-400 million, is part of a broader discussion around general-news topics, including the role of the government in digital transformation and the potential impact on citizen's privacy.
