News and insight into biometric identification and authentication

UK IDs will not be mandatory

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

UK Home Office Secretary Alan Johnson announced that the identity scheme put in place would be voluntary for citizens. The only individuals forced to apply for the cards would be foreign national living in the UK, 50,000 of these cards have already been issued.

The IDs also will no longer be mandatory for airport workers. Under the new proposals, ID cards will be voluntary for workers at Manchester and London City airports. Workers will continue to be encouraged to get an ID card, which they can do for free, as it makes it easier for employers to carry out background checks and issue passes. [end] 

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