The government is considering offering physical ID cards as an alternative for individuals who cannot access digital identities due to a lack of skills or technology. This initiative aims to address digital exclusion as the government plans to make digital identity mandatory for employment checks by 2029. A public consultation on the digital ID design is set to launch, with input from expert organizations. The proposal includes the possibility of using familiar locations like Post Offices to distribute these IDs, although no decision has been finalized. The Labour government faces ongoing inquiries from MPs about the digital ID plans, which have drawn criticism from multiple political parties. The digital ID system will allow the government to verify employer compliance with ID checks, and the federated data model will ensure data privacy and security. The Cabinet Office, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will oversee policy and legal aspects, while the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will focus on building the necessary technology.
Will the government provide physical IDs for those without digital access?
