UK’s Digital ID Plan Under Fire: Experts Warn of Major Privacy and Security Risks
A unified digital identity system promises a future of streamlined convenience—a single, secure login to access everything from tax records and healthcare to driver licensing. The UK government’s “One Login” program aims to deliver just that. However, a growing chorus of civil liberties groups, privacy advocates, and security experts are sounding the alarm, urging political leaders to halt the project before it becomes an irreversible part of our national infrastructure.
While the goal of simplifying access to public services is appealing, critics argue the underlying risks are being dangerously overlooked. The concerns are not about resisting technological progress but about ensuring that such a powerful system is not built on a foundation that could threaten individual freedoms and national security.
Here are the primary arguments being raised against the proposed digital ID framework.
A Centralized Target for Cyberattacks
One of the most significant concerns is the creation of a massive, centralized database containing sensitive information on millions of citizens. Security experts warn that such a system creates a “honeypot” of personal data that would be an irresistible target for hackers, criminal organizations, and hostile state actors.
Instead of securing data across multiple, siloed government departments, a single login system consolidates it. This means a single successful breach could be catastrophic. The plan could create a single point of failure for the nation’s data security, potentially exposing everything from health records and tax information to home addresses in one devastating attack.
The Danger of ‘Function Creep’
The government has stated that the “One Login” system will be voluntary. However, history shows that such systems rarely stay that way. Experts point to the danger of “function creep,” where a voluntary tool gradually becomes essential for everyday life.
Initially used for government services, the digital ID could soon be required for renting a home, opening a bank account, applying for a job, or even accessing social media. This slippery slope could lead to a society where participation in daily life becomes impossible without a government-approved digital identity, effectively making it mandatory. This raises serious questions about surveillance and state control over individual autonomy.
Risk of Digital Exclusion and Discrimination
In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget that millions of people are not online or lack digital literacy. A mandatory digital ID system threatens to disenfranchise the most vulnerable members of society.
Elderly citizens, individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and those in rural areas with poor connectivity could be locked out of essential services. Rather than improving access, the system could create a two-tier society, discriminating against anyone unable or unwilling to opt into the digital framework. This deepens the digital divide and punishes those who are already marginalized.
Unprecedented Data Collection and Profiling
A unified digital ID would allow for the unprecedented linking of disparate government datasets. Your health data could be linked with your tax records, driving history, and benefits information.
While this may have administrative benefits, it also allows the state to build an incredibly detailed and comprehensive profile of every citizen. This level of data consolidation poses a fundamental threat to privacy, creating a permanent record of an individual’s life that could be used for purposes never originally intended. The potential for error, misuse, or abuse of this data is immense.
How to Protect Your Digital Privacy Today
The debate over a national digital ID highlights the growing importance of personal data security. While the future of the “One Login” system is uncertain, there are steps you can take now to better protect your digital footprint:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store complex, unique passwords for every service you use.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds a crucial second layer of security, typically a code sent to your phone, that prevents unauthorized access even if your password is stolen.
- Be Mindful of What You Share: Limit the amount of personal information you share online, especially on social media. Review the privacy settings on your accounts to control who can see your data.
- Review App and Service Permissions: When you install a new app or sign up for a service, carefully review the permissions it requests. Do not grant access to your contacts, location, or microphone unless it is absolutely necessary for the app’s function.
Ultimately, the conversation around the UK’s digital ID is about more than just technology. It is a critical debate about the balance between convenience, security, and personal freedom. As the project moves forward, it is essential that the profound risks to privacy and equality are addressed before the nation is locked into a system that could fundamentally change the relationship between the citizen and the state.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/24/campaign_uk_digital_id/
