Opposing Digital IDs
The London Assembly has today voiced concerns over Government plans for a compulsory Digital ID, warning it could undermine privacy and exclude people who struggle with digital systems.
Members agreed to oppose any requirement for Digital ID to access services in London and urged the Mayor to press the Prime Minister to abandon the proposal.
Alex Wilson AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“I’m pleased that the London Assembly today voted in favour of our motion to oppose Digital ID being forced onto Londoners.
“At the Assembly’s behest, Sadiq Khan has now been asked to write to the Prime Minister, urging him to ditch this plan that paves the way for intrusive state monitoring.
“Londoners should have the right to access the services they pay for without having to be signed up to Digital ID.
“I hope the Government takes note of what the London Assembly has decided today.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes that the Government has announced its intention to introduce a compulsory national digital identity card system (Digital ID), wherein personal data will be linked via an IT system for access to public and private services. The Tony Blair Institute has suggested that Digital ID could be used as part of routine tasks where citizens interact with government at all levels.
This Assembly believes that the introduction of Digital ID poses a threat to individual privacy and paves the way for intrusive state monitoring. This assembly also believes that Digital ID is exclusionary to certain groups in society, namely the elderly, who are likely to find Digital ID to be a barrier to essential services.
This Assembly resolves to:
- Oppose attempts to mandate the use of Digital ID as a condition of access to services in London.
- Ensure access to GLA Group and constituent organisation services remain voluntary, inclusive, and transparent, with full accountability to the public.
- Ask the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister, urging him to abandon his plans to introduce compulsory Digital ID.
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- The Motion was agreed by 12 votes for and 10 against.
- Alex Wilson AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Daniel Zikmund in the Assembly Media Office on 07860647577 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.