Privacy group claims that the gov.uk app could pave the way for a mandatory ID scheme

Privacy athleticist is a new app that emphasizes the risk of using citizens’ driver’s license, passport, and welfare documents as an “essential ID scheme lunch pad”.

Last week, Peter Kyle, a technology secretary, introduced a GOV.UK app and a GOV.UK wallet plan.

These include proof of rights to work in the UK, welfare rights, veteran ID cards, and DBS certificates. This technology incorporates biological authentication security like face scanning. Similar electronic government apps have been implemented in countries such as Poland, Estonia, and Iceland.

Kyle suggests that while paper documents will still be used, the convenience of the app is “inevitable” as more people find it “convincing.” He is working diligently to make this a reality.

Kyle explains that this app features a digital document wallet similar to those found on Apple and Google smartphones, “completely revolutionizing shopping, banking methods, and travel methods.” Ta.

Mock -up of digital driving license pages stored in Gob.uk ‘Wallet’ on a smartphone. Photo: Faculty of Science/PA

However, the athleticist is now requesting transparency regarding the impacts of new systems on privacy before deployment.

“Kyle may not be in charge of the department for science, innovation, and technology, but the future government may easily utilize optional digital wallets as a fundamental ID scheme launch pad.”

“By including our face recognition data, this vast identity system becomes highly sensitive and tempting for hackers, becoming a honeypot.”

James Baker, Open Rights Group campaign manager, comments:

“Are we heading towards a world that prioritizes convenience? One of the potential concerns is the development of a national identity database where all interactions are monitored.

Kyle unveiled this technology this week with a presentation inspired by Silicon Valley launches. He mentioned that the app will be launched in June, and the wallet will continue to “securely store government-issued digital documents.” The hope is that this app will integrate with various government services, from paying vehicle tax to managing welfare benefits and interacting with NHS.

Authorities are using apps and wallets that are highly secure on modern smartphones, incorporating facial recognition checks similar to those used for digital bank card payments. There is no central database of documents stored in the wallet, requiring hackers to access individual mobile phones.

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A government spokesperson explains: “By using the same technology as securing a digital bank card, even if the mobile phone is stolen, access by the thief is not possible, making the digital driver’s license much more secure than a physical copy.

“It is evident that digital identity is not only advantageous but also opens up new possibilities, such as maintaining call centers and in-person support for those requiring assistance with digital services.”

The credentials stored in the wallet should be more challenging to forge than paper documents. Additionally, consolidating numerous essential documents in one place eliminates the risk of losing or damaging physical copies with digital updates and streamlined paperless applications.

It also enhances privacy in certain scenarios, for example, citizens no longer need to reveal their names and addresses when purchasing age-restricted items like alcohol or fireworks.

If this system is outdated or misused, the government reserves the right to revoke qualifications as needed. However, if this is done unjustly, citizens can still utilize paper copies.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Digital ID cards in Poland: A valuable tool or a barrier to progress in e-Government?

There has been much talk about the potential for Poland’s economy to surpass that of the UK by 2030, but in some aspects, Poland is already ahead.

One such area is the digital ID card and driving license created by Poles, allowing them to access various public services through the mobile app mObywatel. Users must verify their identity through e-banking login, a digitally enabled physical ID card, or a special “trusted profile” online upon initial access.

With 8 million users, the mObywatel app enables Poles to create a digital ID, check demerit points on their driver’s license, review their car history, monitor local air quality, and find their polling place.

Rafał Sionkowski, a senior government official overseeing the app, emphasized the importance of keeping the core developer team within the public institution to ensure immediate public access to the digitized database.

As more EU countries develop similar apps in anticipation of the EU’s eIDAS 2.0 regulation on electronic identification, authentication, and trust services, significant progress is expected.

The regulation, set to be fully implemented by 2026 or 2027, establishes the legal framework for electronic identification systems that can be used across EU borders. Sionkowski noted that digital driving licenses can be presented in Germany and digital IDs in Spain for verification.

A digital version of your Polish driving license can be stored on your smartphone via an app. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Sionkowski mentioned plans to enhance the app with new features like notifying insurance companies of accidents and exploring its potential in verifying age online and assisting vulnerable groups in accessing public services.

He stressed the importance of focusing on services that people use, highlighting the value added through features like air quality monitors for local readings.

Privacy lawyer Wojciech Kulikki advocated for adhering to strict privacy principles while adding service features to the app. He cautioned against intrusive features like unauthorized location tracking.

Citizens could have more control over their data either through open-source app development for independent oversight or by checking data accessed by other government departments.

Janusz Ciezynski, a former digital minister, noted the smoother rollout of the app in Poland compared to the UK due to the presence of physical ID cards, quelling concerns about privacy infringements.

Ciezynski expressed enthusiasm for incorporating more public services into a single app, envisioning benefits for disaster-affected areas with quick access to funds through virtual payment cards.

Source: www.theguardian.com