What are your concerns about a potential Digital ID?
There's been some talk on the community regarding the governments potential plans to roll out a digital ID and this is something we're keen to get your feedback on.
As everything is a hypothetical right now, we won't be answering any questions, as no one really knows right now and there are no actual plans in place. But we'd love to get your feedback on this, as we have a voice and will be able to use it.
So, what concerns you about a potential digital ID scheme?
Comments
-
Im firmly against it when do conspiracy theories become facts because I see alot if things playing out i believe we will lose all freedom and starver the one to implement it with joy we are losing our rights on a daily basic the thought of it disturbs me deeply for my daughter her life her future im glad I dont have grandkids
2 -
I would encourage anyone to read the following article:
https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/tony-blair-larry-ellisons-man-in
and do a search on Larry Ellison.The digital ID scheme must be stopped.
“Ellison has publicly spoken of his desire to obtain NHS data -- the last great trove of information not already fed into AI models, which independent experts value at up to £10bn annually.”
He spoke a few months ago about it too. Starmer is selling this country to the Americans technocrats for peanuts via Blair, a prime minister ruled by evil.
2 -
A lot of disabled people simply cannot use apps. That includes people with arthritis, sight problems, learning difficulties, sensory sensitivities or memory overload. These are not rare cases. They are everyday realities.
Many rely on specialist technology to use phones, such as screen readers, voice control or switch buttons. But most apps do not work properly with these tools. Buttons are not labelled. Layouts are confusing. Some features block access completely.
There is no paper or human alternative. If everything depends on the app, then anyone who cannot use it is shut out. These apps assume everyone has the right kind of phone and enough data to keep it running. But many people cannot afford that. Around three million people in the UK still use pay-as-you-go phones because they cannot afford or qualify for contracts. These phones often do not support apps properly and data runs out fast.
Digital ID apps also raise serious privacy concerns. Who controls your data? Who can see it? What happens if it is reused, repurposed or quietly shared? And what if the app breaks? If your phone dies, the app crashes or the system goes down, you are locked out. That could mean missing a flight, losing access to benefits or being stuck in A & E without proof of ID. If passports are moved entirely onto an app and that app fails, you could be stranded at the airport with no way to travel. That is not progress. That is chaos.
Security features like CAPTCHA, those “click all the traffic lights” tests, often block disabled users. They do not work with screen readers or voice control and they are hard to use if you have motor or vision problems. Worst of all, the burden falls on us. Disabled and older people are expected to adapt, troubleshoot and carry the risk while the system stays rigid. That is not inclusion. That is abandonment.
I have spoken to many young people who are fluent with apps and fully capable of using digital systems. They are not signing up. Not because they cannot, but because they will not. They see this as the first step towards something far more controlling. A system that monitors, scores and restricts. A social credit model, like the one used in China. That is not paranoia. That is pattern recognition.
Let those who want the app use it. But do not force the rest of us to trade our rights for government control disguised as convenience.
6 -
All I've seen so far is an inability for anybody to keep data safe (NHS/M & S/Coop/JLR etc etc). All we now need is data breaches/cyber attacks on banking/DWP etc, and we're doomed! I will not be signing up for Digital ID, whatever the consequences.
The National Security Strategy I read yesterday made for dire reading. If Digital ID is supposed to stop illegal immigration I'd love to know how, I don't believe it will for one moment.
2 -
Also, respectfully, the assumption that Digital ID is just like having a Tesco card or that the government have lots of data on us already so it's just the same (which I've seen and heard many people saying)… is very naive and missing the reality of this.
When there are also people who have lived in and come from very controlling regimes in other countries saying this is the basis of such regimes and we should be concerned, I think we should heed their warnings.
2 -
Right now, on the surface level it sounds okay BUT I have huge future concerns about the powers it can give them and how it disproportionately impacts disabled and lower income people and can and will be used as a means of control
I'm lso concerned about:
-Digital exclusion and what that means for those who can't due to disability, financial or other reasons use an app or digital ID
-Increased control and data gathering of government systems and how they could be used and applied
For example, you protest against them, they can remove your income, access to your banks and money, restrict your travel or anything they want
OR as we've already seen with benefits, they use it as justification to remove, lower, change systems based on whatever they decide to spin any data as
I'm not naive enough to think the digital world doesn't already contain everything about me, of course it does, the idea of our government having control over all of it in one place, to use as they please, I don't get why anyne would be happy with it.
They're not exactly trustworthy and have a history of misusing, mishandling, leaking or selling our data already
3 -
I am totally against it. It is an infringement of civil liberties! Agree with above concerns. The whole justification sounds like nothing more than a phoney excuse to me. For years now we have had to show passports or other photographs ID to rent anywhere or get a job, etc.
Also smart phones need regular security updates, which means they are only safely usable for a few years. Nobody helps or explains these security issues with the majority of users, before insisting they use these phones for absolutely everything!
3 -
Shock horror starmer announced Digital ID will be mandatory for people on benefits how to escape or get out of this ?? I really really dont want to sign up for this
2 -
Where did you read this @Catherine21? At the moment I can only see quotes where Keir Starmer has said that digital ID may be beneficial if moved out into other areas, but not that it is definitely happening.
0 -
Oh ok I read after his visit to India probley click bait then I hope so !! So many worries and the rise of Reform fills me with dread but one day at a time
0 -
He's definitely exploring options and hearing how India's system has been used @Catherine21 but I don't think anything has been confirmed about whether it will be used for benefits over here from what I could see. We'll keep an eye out for any further announcements ☺️
0 -
This scares ne more than anything
1 -
Thanks for keeping an eye on this. Just to clarify: the rollout is already underway, and the infrastructure is live.
lThis confirms that benefits and tax access are part of the planned expansion. The GOV.UK Wallet app has been available since June 2025, storing digital ID on phones. It’s not just about future possibilities, it’s a live rollout.
@Catherine21 I believe your concern is valid. The “voluntary” framing doesn’t negate the structural pressure, especially when access to services is quietly tethered to digital ID possession.2 -
I done a phone claim on uc im getting a bulk standard phone god the thought of being controlled i would be shutdown immediately
1 -
This is the biggest threat to us all he pushing ahead fast! They know his ratings so low i can see people in shock cant believe that didnt go through parliament alot of people quoting The Equality Act saying he cant do this as we know from experience how he does what he wants thier feeling how we did with all they hit us with which is not over for us i did read some things on pip but wont say until confirmed how do we navigate this Digital ID I think thier ahead thats why pushed uc as thats Digital everything was for 2029 seems by 2027 f
1 -
@MW123 The digital infrastructure is in place. Nonetheless, so many people of all walks of life are against a Digital ID that there may be a few hiccups getting the Bill through.
I note there's no need for people to carry/ produce the Digital ID. I'd buy the cheapest extra phone and leave it in a drawer turned off.
1 -
There saying benefits , hmrc, schools etc.This is insane. I'm going to get a old phone type. So many companies getting hacked. It's like a dystopian world we are living in under this tyrant.
2 -
We certainly don't live in a tyrannical state, that's hyperbole on stilts. I doubt many Russias would agree with you either.
I don't like the id suggestion, but we must remain grounded in reality.
0 -
Yh that's what im going to do
0 -
Honestly I agree
0
Categories
- All Categories
- 15.6K Start here and say hello!
- 7.3K Coffee lounge
- 100 Games den
- 1.7K People power
- 137 Announcements and information
- 24.4K Talk about life
- 5.9K Everyday life
- 445 Current affairs
- 2.4K Families and carers
- 880 Education and skills
- 1.9K Work
- 542 Money and bills
- 3.7K Housing and independent living
- 1.1K Transport and travel
- 625 Relationships
- 1.5K Mental health and wellbeing
- 2.5K Talk about your impairment
- 870 Rare, invisible, and undiagnosed conditions
- 929 Neurological impairments and pain
- 2.1K Cerebral Palsy Network
- 1.2K Autism and neurodiversity
- 40.4K Talk about your benefits
- 6K Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- 19.9K PIP, DLA, ADP and AA
- 8.7K Universal Credit (UC)
- 5.8K Benefits and income