Identity Cards Strategy Implementation Challenges A Melodrama

Identity Cards: Strategy, Implementation & Challenges A Melodrama in Three Parts Simon Davies Director, Privacy International Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics

PART 1 (almost) everything you ever wanted to know about identity systems….

Why introduce a national ID system? • • • Combating crime & terrorism Reducing welfare and tax fraud Tackling illegal immigration and illegal working Combating identity theft Providing more efficient service delivery Enabling secure commercial transactions Travel authorization & border control Electoral registration and voting Proof of age Emergency Medical Information

What types of ID system are used? • Paper-based documents (Low maintenance cost but susceptible to forgery) • Readable plastic card systems (Moderate cost, durable, major forgery potential) • “Smart” integrated systems (High cost, wide functionality, potentially low threat of forgery)

Key elements of an integrated “Smart” ID system • • THE REGISTER A central population register THE CODE A unique numerical identifier THE CARD An obligatory, multi-purpose ID card LEGAL OBLIGATIONS. Requirements in law to disclose the card or to report card transactions to government. • ADMINISTRATIVE CONVERGENCE The number and the Card register are used by a variety of agencies and organisations as their administrative basis. • CROSS NOTIFICATION Agencies are often required to notify each other of changes to a person's details.

The 4 components of registration Document ID Biometric ID Current Active Status Biographical Footprints

The 4 components of registration Document ID Biometric ID Current Active Status Biographical Footprints

PART II Issues of public concern

Receiving her first ID card

Seven Deadly Issues • • Can ID cards combat crime and terrorism? Will ID cards reduce tax evasion & welfare fraud? Can ID cards help to control illegal immigration? Do ID cards cause an increase in State powers? Do ID cards create discrimination? Will an ID card become an internal passport? What are the privacy implications of an ID card?

Government’s idea of a “worst case scenario” public reaction

The real Worst Case Scenario

PART III The burning questions that must be answered

The burning questions • Is a national integrated ID system really necessary? • Will the system create deep social division or broad national cohesion? • What happens to those who do not, or cannot, conform? • Is a national biometric system perilous for freedom & privacy? • How can we prevent the risk of future dangers from such a system? • How can we engage a genuine public debate?