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Yvette Cooper has defended the use of digital IDs for children under 13 amid a controversial controversy Government The plan to introduce the technology has been expanded, saying many teenagers already use similar forms of identification.
The Foreign Secretary insisted that a “standardised” system is “the right way to move forward” as he tried to reassure the public amid a wave of protest over the scope of the proposals.
Sir keir starmer It is seeking to broaden its plans for the use of the technology, which ministers said would be used mainly to tackle illegal migration, but also to manage public services such as benefits and bill payments.
In response to a petition against the measures, which has been signed by more than 2.8 million people, the government said the system would cover everyone aged 16 and over, but “we will consider through consultation whether it should extend to those aged 13 and over”.
Speaking to broadcasters on Friday morning, Ms Cooper said similar forms of identification were already widely used and suggested the plans would provide continuity.
“Everyone has forms of digital ID, right?” she said on LBC.
“I mean, we all have different ways of proving who we are.”
“Many 13-year-olds already have (a form of digital ID) and the department is going to consult on how this should be taken forward.
“I think this is the right way to move forward, to have this standardized process now, and it’s something we’re already setting in place for people who come to work from abroad.”
during the trip to India This week, Sir Keir praised the country’s Aadhaar digital ID system, which is far more comprehensive than initially announced plans for the UK and includes the storage of biometric data, calling it a “huge success”.
He pointed to New Delhi’s plan as an example to suggest Britain could use the technology for services such as banking, and said ministers should “make the case” for the “huge benefits” the plan would bring.
Number 10 said the UK system would not necessarily mimic India’s biometric data use and indicated that the UK plan would be run by the public sector.