ID cards 'could threaten privacy' - Select Committee Report

11.58.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Jun 2008

The National Identity Scheme will hold data on everyone over 16 in Britain

The Home Affairs Select Committee has called for proper safeguards on the plans for compulsory ID cards to stop "function creep" threatening privacy. It wants a guarantee that the scheme will not be expanded without MPs' approval. The government says that the scheme would not be used as a surveillance tool. However, the Committee's report said "We seek the further assurance that any initiative to broaden the scope of the scheme will only be proposed after consulting the information commissioner and on the basis that proposals will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in draft form,". Committee chairman Keith Vaz said there could be "potentially disastrous consequences" if data was mishandled.

The select committee report said that the government should collect only what is essential which should be stored only for as long as is necessary. "We are concerned... about the potential for 'function creep' in terms of the surveillance potential of the national identity scheme. "Any ambiguity about the objectives of the scheme puts in jeopardy the public's trust in the scheme itself and in the government's ability to run it."

The National Identity Scheme is due to start rolling out later this year, and will eventually hold details on everyone in Britain over the age of 16.

ID CARDS TIMETABLE

2008 - Some non-EU nationals will have to get them

2009 - Compulsory for 200,000 UK citizens and EU nationals who work in 'sensitive' airport jobs

2010 - Voluntary scheme for students

2011/12 - Biometric passports issued, applicants can choose to get ID card

2017 - Full roll-out of identity cards