Digital licences may serve as ID for voting, buying alcohol, or boarding domestic flights.
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The UK government is preparing to introduce digital driving licences as part of its effort to modernise public services.
These virtual licences, accessible via a new smartphone app called Gov.uk Wallet, could be used for identification purposes, such as purchasing alcohol, voting, or boarding domestic flights.
The move has divided Londoner’s opinion, with some praising its practicality, while others voice concerns over privacy and the risks of handling sensitive data in a digital format;
Ministers are set to unveil the digital driving licence next week. Source: Adobe Stock
“I think it’s a great idea. I’m already using digital IDs for banking and travel, so adding my driving licence to my phone just makes sense. It’s convenient and cuts down on the need for physical documents.”
Sarah, 28, software developer from Shoreditch
“What happens if the system goes down or if my phone gets stolen? I’m not comfortable relying entirely on technology for something as important as identification.”
David, 64, retired teacher from Wimbledon
“I worry about the government having too much access to my personal information. It feels like another step toward surveillance.”
Aisha, 35, shop assistant from Brixton
Physical licences will remain available, but officials envision the digital option as a step into the future, promising enhanced convenience and security.
Privacy and Security: navigating the risks of digitisation
In London, where over 1.6 million vehicles enter the city daily, digital licences could streamline identity checks, potentially reducing delays for commuters at checkpoints or during inspections.
The Gov.uk Wallet app will also include an optional feature that allows users to conceal sensitive details, like home addresses, in certain contexts, such as when visiting bars or shops.
Privacy groups, including Big Brother Watch, continue to voice opposition, warning of potential threats to personal privacy. They say that the digital storage of sensitive information could increase the risks of misuse and surveillance.
On the other hand, the UK government has defended the initiative:
“This government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services. Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory.”
– Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) spokesperson
The path forward: ensuring trust and inclusivity
Within the EU, all member states are required to implement at least one form of digital ID by 2026, in keeping with the global shift toward digitalisation.
While the app will include advanced security measures such as biometrics and multifactor authentication, doubts about reliability and inclusivity persist.
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HeadlineUK to roll out digital driving licences as part of public services modernisation
Short HeadlineUK to introduce digital driving licences this year
StandfirstThe new government app will introduce digital IDs but concerns rise about privacy and security
The UK government is preparing to introduce digital driving licences as part of its effort to modernise public services.
These virtual licences, accessible via a new smartphone app called Gov.uk Wallet, could be used for identification purposes, such as purchasing alcohol, voting, or boarding domestic flights.
The move has divided Londoner’s opinion, with some praising its practicality, while others voice concerns over privacy and the risks of handling sensitive data in a digital format;
Ministers are set to unveil the digital driving licence next week. Source: Adobe Stock
“I think it’s a great idea. I’m already using digital IDs for banking and travel, so adding my driving licence to my phone just makes sense. It’s convenient and cuts down on the need for physical documents.”
Sarah, 28, software developer from Shoreditch
“What happens if the system goes down or if my phone gets stolen? I’m not comfortable relying entirely on technology for something as important as identification.”
David, 64, retired teacher from Wimbledon
“I worry about the government having too much access to my personal information. It feels like another step toward surveillance.”
Aisha, 35, shop assistant from Brixton
Physical licences will remain available, but officials envision the digital option as a step into the future, promising enhanced convenience and security.
Privacy and Security: navigating the risks of digitisation
In London, where over 1.6 million vehicles enter the city daily, digital licences could streamline identity checks, potentially reducing delays for commuters at checkpoints or during inspections.
The Gov.uk Wallet app will also include an optional feature that allows users to conceal sensitive details, like home addresses, in certain contexts, such as when visiting bars or shops.
Privacy groups, including Big Brother Watch, continue to voice opposition, warning of potential threats to personal privacy. They say that the digital storage of sensitive information could increase the risks of misuse and surveillance.
On the other hand, the UK government has defended the initiative:
“This government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services. Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory.”
– Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) spokesperson
The path forward: ensuring trust and inclusivity
Within the EU, all member states are required to implement at least one form of digital ID by 2026, in keeping with the global shift toward digitalisation.
While the app will include advanced security measures such as biometrics and multifactor authentication, doubts about reliability and inclusivity persist.
