3. National Identity cards

The idea is that every person in the UK carries around an electronic card containing their fingerprints and other biometric data along with a photograph etc, which anyone wanting proof of identity can ask for.

There is no real technical barrier to do this, after all every new UK passport has similar technology.

The controversy lies in the right of the innocent citizen to privacy and why should they be forced to carry around such a card.

Argument for:

• It is argued that it will reduce crime and terrorism.
• It will also be convenient for opening bank accounts and so on as proof of identity.
• Have one ID card rather than the usual driving licence and passport to prove your identity

Argument against:

• Citizens should not have to prove who they are wherever, whenever
• We already have documents to prove ID - passport, driving licence, so why another one
• It is expensive. Why should we pay for yet another document
• It may not be secure - there is a chance of fake ID cards being used for identity theft

Further research:

• A BBC news story which discusses this issue

For now, the idea of a national identity card has been shelved. But it may re-surface again when a new goverment gets elected.