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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?.
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Identity Cards:Strategy, Implementation & ChallengesA 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 IDCurrent Active Status Biographical Biometric ID Footprints
The 4 components of registration Document IDCurrent Active Status Biographical Biometric ID Footprints
PART II Issues of public concern
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
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?