ID card scheme under fire
The Commons Science and Technology Select Committee has criticised the introduction of the new ID card as inconsistent and lacking in clarity. The Committee also pointed out that concerns over the cost of the new card continued to be a major concern for the public and government alike.
The Commons Science and Technology Select Committee has criticised the introduction of the new ID card as inconsistent and lacking in clarity. The Committee also pointed out that concerns over the cost of the new card continued to be a major concern for the public and government alike.
Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis told the BBC that there was “not the level of confidence in this scheme that could be expected at this stage.
Despite their vested interests in the scheme, industrial representatives are speaking openly about their concerns regarding the identity cards programme – this should set alarm bells in the Home Office ringing.
In the Committees report they questioned the validity and accuracy of the estimated £584m that the scheme is projected to cost. The figure has also been disputed by the London School of Economics, which stated that the true figure could be as much as £1.6b. In his monthly press briefing the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to the ID card when he said that the scheme provided a huge opportunity.
The select committee concluded by saying: In order to clarify when and how the card might be used, we recommend that the Home Office releases more information regarding what personal data will be revealed in different scenarios, including in an online context. Until this information is released, it is difficult to ascertain the true scope of the scheme and to fully understand how technology will be used within the scheme.”
