The Government has dropped plans to introduce a compulsory digital ID scheme.

Last year, we commented (here) on the announcement that the Government would be rolling out a scheme before the end of the Parliament that would see every UK citizen and legal resident be provided with a digital ID.

According to the press release at the time, digital IDs would improve access to public services, reduce identity fraud, and toughen employment checks. Importantly – and controversially – they would also be compulsory as a means of proving an individual’s right to work.

It is this last feature that has now been abandoned: whilst the plan to introduce digital IDs will still go ahead, the Government has confirmed that alternative documents will continue to be accepted as evidence of a person’s right to work.

We still expect a consultation on the design and implementation of the digital ID scheme at some stage this year.

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