Digital ID: Freedom or Control?
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the British Prime Minister chaired an emergency ministerial meeting to explore how digital ID cards could be rolled out. Officially, the goal is to stop illegal working and migration. But critics say the real aim is far more concerning.
The UK’s Push for Digital ID
The proposal:
A new digital identity system linked to passports and driving licenses
A centralized record of every legal resident in the UK
Claimed benefits: stopping cash-in-hand jobs in construction, hospitality, farming, taxis, and deliveries
Why It Doesn’t Add Up
Here’s what’s really happening:
Illegal workers can still share IDs or be paid under the table
Enforcement failures are the real issue: employer fines (around £20,000) are rarely applied
Privacy threats: once implemented, digital ID paves the way for mass surveillance and potentially a social credit system
Cost: rolling out this system would take billions, duplicating IDs we already have (passport, NI number, driving license)
The Wider Picture
France’s President Macron blamed the UK’s lack of ID cards for migration despite passports and licenses already being valid proof.
Estonia’s digital ID system is cited as a model, where citizens can’t access healthcare, banking, or even voting without it. Critics say this has nothing to do with small boat crossings.
Meanwhile, the UK is spending £2 billion to relocate 7,355 Afghan nationals, averaging £272,000 each. Later estimates add another £1.5 billion, pushing the true cost beyond £400,000 per person.
At the same time, Deputy PM Angela Rayner was found to have underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty on her £800,000 property with no significant consequences.
Rising Backlash
A comedian was arrested on arrival in the UK for his online posts, under the Public Order Act. During questioning, his health collapsed, sparking outrage.
Citizens fear free speech is now criminalized, with police resources diverted from crime to online thought-policing.
Public trust in government is plummeting as ordinary people see one set of rules for themselves and another for those in power.
Quick Recap
Sept 3, 2024: PM holds emergency meeting on digital ID.
Billions required to implement, duplicating existing IDs.
Afghan relocation: £2 billion for 7,355 people = ~£272k each, later rising beyond £400k per person.
Angela Rayner avoided £40k tax with no real punishment.
A comedian was arrested for social media posts, fueling fears of authoritarianism.
Final Thoughts
The government claims digital ID will stop illegal work. But the truth is:
It won’t fix the boats crossing the Channel
It won’t stop cash-in-hand jobs
It won’t hold leaders accountable
Instead, it risks building a centralized surveillance system that tracks ordinary citizens’ every move.
Digital ID isn’t about migration. It’s about control. Once in place, there may be no turning back.
