Tories accuse FM of amnesia over digital ID

CRITICS have labelled John Swinney a “hypocrite” after it was revealed that his government is plotting its own digital ID card days after the First Minister condemned the UK Government for launching its own card.

- By David Walker

It has been revealed that the SNP Executive has been working on its own identification system for a number of years. Called ScotAccount, formerly Digital Identity Scotland, it has many of the same features planned by Westminster.

It would create an electronic profile allowing users to prove who they say they are and is being trialled on a voluntary basis for individuals accessing a limited number of public services.

Under Labour's plan, digital IDs would become mandatory and be proof of identity and residency status in the UK, including a person's name, date of birth and a photo, and be compulsory for work.