I’ve been opposed to the introduction of ID cards for a good while, now — valuing my privacy and deeply suspicious of any move by government to impact upon it.
This article and this television drama therefore got my attention. The latter is a near-future thriller taking “an arresting and compelling look at how technology could transform Britain into a surveillance society — threatening human relationships and destroying trust.” It’s frighteningly plausible in its concept, all the more so because it is infinitely recognisable. The Britain of The Last Enemy is our Britain. Some of us just haven’t realised it, yet.
The article in question greeted me this morning when I finished writing. I toodled along to the BBC to catch the headlines, read “Rethink on Identity Card Plans” and thought, “Oh, good.” Needless to say I was suitably disappointed when I read:
-
2009 – Compulsory for 200,000 UK citizens and EU nationals who work in ‘sensitive’ airport jobs
-
2011/12 – Biometric passports issued, applicants can choose to get ID card.
-
2017 – Full roll-out of identity cards.
-
Private firms will be encouraged to set-up “biometric enrolment centres” where passport and ID card applicants will be fingerprinted. [Sounds positively Orwellian, not to mention a security issue.]
-
A home office spokesman said the government charged for other forms of ID such as driving licences and passports and it though the planned charge of £30 for an ID card was “fair”. [We have to pay for the privelege!]
So, not much of a rethink. The very notion of an ID database is disturbing. Yes, we are all on any number of databases already, but this is significantly different. I don’t want it.
So I went here and registered my opposition.
As decent, law-abiding citizens, we all have something to hide. Especially when such data is to be held by government agencies.
what’s your feeling on closed circuit cameras? I understand Britain has a heap of them, do you find they are an invasion of your privacy? I think it’s a bit Orwellian myself but I understand a lot of Britons feel safer with them around, is it safer or is that just a myth?
I think the general feeling is that they are a good thing, yes — but as you’ve probably guessed, they concern me. As I see it, they are far less effective than good, high-visibility policing and, obviously, the possibility for abuse — whilst possibly unlikely (the jury’s still out on that one) — is definitely there. Linked with ID Cards, RFID tags and an ID database, the potential for human rights abuse is massive.
Another thing I’ve noticed is just how quickly people stop noticing them. That for me is perhaps the most frightening part.
As I see it, they are far less effective than good, high-visibility policing
Couldn’t agree with you more!
Cheers, Will!
Pingback: Data Loss and Government. « Gary William Murning Online