Government defends expansion of digital ID schemes to include children under 13

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Yvette Cooper Defending the controversial expansion of digital ID schemes to include children under 13 has argued that many teenagers already use similar forms of identification.

The Foreign Secretary insisted that a “standardised” system was “the right way forward”, aiming to reassure the public amid significant opposition to the scope of the proposals.

Sir keir starmer Efforts are reportedly being made to broaden the application of the technology, initially aimed at tackling illegal migration, to include the management of 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 Government Said that the system would cover everyone aged 16 or over, but “we will consider through consultation whether it should be 13 years or over”.

Sir Keir said the system had 'huge benefits' which his government should 'make the case' for amid falling support in the polls (Leon Neill/PA) — Sir Keir said the system had ‘huge benefits’ which his government should ‘make the case’ for amid falling support in the polls (Leon Neill/PA)

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”.

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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 be copied IndiaUse of biometric data and indicated that the UK scheme would be run by the public sector.