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MovedGoalPosts · 15-01-2005, 00:26

Contrary to the many, in principle I have no objection to the basic concept of an ID card. If it replaces and consolidates the many bits of information that government already has on me (National Insurance, Driver Licence, Passport, etc) it will make my life easier than trying to find numerous documents. It could also assist in removing doubt about the wrong gooder's identity. As far as passports go, one inevitably wonders how compatible any system intorduced here will be with other countries?

One often has to ask whether it is the law abiding who have anything to fear from these cards, or the non law breakers. Government agencies already have so many means of getting information on us that I doubt ID cards would make that much difference. If anything they might reduce some of the beurocratic costs to such agencies when they are determined to collect such data. No dount safeguards will be provided to prevent misuse, just as the data that can be collected now must have some protection.

To me there are three main issues:
1) Will ID cards be secure. Sooner or later someone will work out how to forge them which will negate the major benefits society might gain from them.

2) Will this effectively amount to more taxation on us, by virtue of costs to get the card, update it, etc.

3) Would the card falling into the wrong hands aid identity theft.

Undoubtedly ID cards are a serious issue. A full and frank parliamentary debate, to include the opportunty of Parliament to be properly lobbied is essential. It would be a major change in our lifestyle, and as a minimum should have been something in a party manifesto considered at a general election.

As ever this government will impose it's will on the country with no real consideration for the silent majority.

15-01-2005, 00:26	#10
MovedGoalPosts Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: 127.0.0.1 Age: 62 Posts: 15,868	Re: ID Cards in Parliament. Contrary to the many, in principle I have no objection to the basic concept of an ID card. If it replaces and consolidates the many bits of information that government already has on me (National Insurance, Driver Licence, Passport, etc) it will make my life easier than trying to find numerous documents. It could also assist in removing doubt about the wrong gooder's identity. As far as passports go, one inevitably wonders how compatible any system intorduced here will be with other countries? One often has to ask whether it is the law abiding who have anything to fear from these cards, or the non law breakers. Government agencies already have so many means of getting information on us that I doubt ID cards would make that much difference. If anything they might reduce some of the beurocratic costs to such agencies when they are determined to collect such data. No dount safeguards will be provided to prevent misuse, just as the data that can be collected now must have some protection. To me there are three main issues: 1) Will ID cards be secure. Sooner or later someone will work out how to forge them which will negate the major benefits society might gain from them. 2) Will this effectively amount to more taxation on us, by virtue of costs to get the card, update it, etc. 3) Would the card falling into the wrong hands aid identity theft. Undoubtedly ID cards are a serious issue. A full and frank parliamentary debate, to include the opportunty of Parliament to be properly lobbied is essential. It would be a major change in our lifestyle, and as a minimum should have been something in a party manifesto considered at a general election. As ever this government will impose it's will on the country with no real consideration for the silent majority.