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21/05/2004
First stage of national ID card scheme launched
Plans have been unveiled today that will see 10,000 volunteers in London, Newcastle, Leicester and Glasgow taking part in the first stage of the UK's national identity card scheme.
The large-scale trial of the high-tech biometric technology which will underpin the ID card was launched in Scotland today by Home Office Minister Des Browne. The move follows on from the publication last month of draft legislation to bring in a compulsory national identity card.
Members of the public will have their irises, fingerprints and facial biometrics recorded as part of the UK Passport Service (UKPS) trial taking place at the Glasgow Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office.
Volunteers will receive a demonstrator smart card containing their details on an electronic chip. The UKPS trial will investigate the practicalities of the biometric enrolment process, with ten thousand volunteers across the UK taking part. The trial will inform plans to incorporate biometrics in passports and help build a base for the national compulsory identity cards scheme.
It is hoped that the card will combat identity crime – which costs the UK £1.3 billion a year. ID fraud facilitates organised crime, illegal immigration, benefit fraud, illegal working and terrorism.
Mr Browne said that the scheme was an "ambitious, long-term scheme", and so it was was essential to get the technology right.
"Only by planning ahead and taking steps now to create a modern, secure means of confirming identity, can we ensure that in the years to come we will be able to take on the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals, and that UK citizens have a secure form of identity to use in everyday life and travel," he said.
Chief Executive of UKPS Bernard Herdan said the use of biometrics was just one of a wide range of measures the UK Passport Service was undertaking to "improve the security of our systems and of the passport document itself".
He added: "We are working with other government departments and nations to catch identity fraudsters and prevent identity crime from happening in the first place."
The trial is taking place at four fixed sites - the London Passport office, Newcastle Registrar's office, Leicester Post Office and Glasgow DVLA office. A mobile unit will visit other locations across the country.
Any UK resident aged 18 or over can volunteer to take part in the trial. Volunteers will complete a questionnaire about their experience of the enrolment process.
(gmcg)
The large-scale trial of the high-tech biometric technology which will underpin the ID card was launched in Scotland today by Home Office Minister Des Browne. The move follows on from the publication last month of draft legislation to bring in a compulsory national identity card.
Members of the public will have their irises, fingerprints and facial biometrics recorded as part of the UK Passport Service (UKPS) trial taking place at the Glasgow Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office.
Volunteers will receive a demonstrator smart card containing their details on an electronic chip. The UKPS trial will investigate the practicalities of the biometric enrolment process, with ten thousand volunteers across the UK taking part. The trial will inform plans to incorporate biometrics in passports and help build a base for the national compulsory identity cards scheme.
It is hoped that the card will combat identity crime – which costs the UK £1.3 billion a year. ID fraud facilitates organised crime, illegal immigration, benefit fraud, illegal working and terrorism.
Mr Browne said that the scheme was an "ambitious, long-term scheme", and so it was was essential to get the technology right.
"Only by planning ahead and taking steps now to create a modern, secure means of confirming identity, can we ensure that in the years to come we will be able to take on the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals, and that UK citizens have a secure form of identity to use in everyday life and travel," he said.
Chief Executive of UKPS Bernard Herdan said the use of biometrics was just one of a wide range of measures the UK Passport Service was undertaking to "improve the security of our systems and of the passport document itself".
He added: "We are working with other government departments and nations to catch identity fraudsters and prevent identity crime from happening in the first place."
The trial is taking place at four fixed sites - the London Passport office, Newcastle Registrar's office, Leicester Post Office and Glasgow DVLA office. A mobile unit will visit other locations across the country.
Any UK resident aged 18 or over can volunteer to take part in the trial. Volunteers will complete a questionnaire about their experience of the enrolment process.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
