Identifying the problem: do we need digital ID?

What benefits would a digital ID system bring to Britain?

- James O'Malley

Britain needs a “New National Purpose”, argued former Prime Minister Tony Blair in a new report published by his Institute for Global Change. Co-authored with his erstwhile rival from across the despatch box, former Conservative Party leader William Hague, the report called for Britain to implement a wide range of science and technology proposals in order to create a “strategic state”.

One idea sticks out above all: a renewed call for the government to create a “digital identity” system to better manage the relationship between citizens and the state.

The report recommends that Britain take inspiration from countries such as Estonia and develop a system of legally recognised digital IDs. It further suggests a law be passed to codify the “only once” principle in how the government handles our data – the idea being that if, for example, you update your address, you don’t need tell every bit of government you interact with. When your details are updated by one government agency, others would see the changes too.

It’s a bold vision – but we’ve been here before. Has the idea finally come of age?

The Estonian model

“Every Estonian citizen, including me, has an ID card,” said Liisa Rohumaa, a freelance journalist and lecturer, who grew up in Britain but has just moved to live in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. “You cannot actually live, work or do anything without this card.”