Government announces plans for a Digital ID scheme
In September, the UK government announced plans to introduce a digital ID. Stored for free on people’s phones, it show identity, age, and residency status. The ID will be used for multiple purposes, from proving identity to landlords and applying for benefits and welfare to right to work checks. Ministers say it will be rolled out to all UK citizens and “legal residents” by the end of this Parliament.
Gov.ukDigital ID scheme poses major risk to digitally excluded, charities say
Experts and civil society groups are warning that government plans for a digital ID could have major impacts on people who are digitally excluded. In a recent policy brief, the charity the Digital Poverty Alliance stated that the scheme could leave people “unable to prove their right to work or access essential services as verification processes move online." They provide recommendations for a more inclusive approach.
Digital Poverty AllianceKeir Starmer insists that Digital ID scheme will be a 'passport' out of homelessness
In an interview with Big Issue, Keir Starmer said that digital IDs would help those experiencing homelessness by allowing those who do not currently have paperwork to access services. But campaigners warned that a poorly designed scheme could compound existing barriers, particularly for those without smartphones. Everyone in the UK will need a digital ID to prove their right to work by 2029.
Big IssueMore information needed on alternatives to digital ID
Research consultancy Careful Industries has also published a run down of the digital ID scheme. It notes that the government's “press release commits to consultation with digitally excluded groups, but does not provide detail of what kind of alternative might be provided.” The blog also shares results from a poll on the scheme last year: while there is public appetite, Black and Asian populations expressed greater concerns about the risk of discrimination and exclusion.
Careful IndustriesBritain’s AI confidence gap risks leaving millions left behind
New research from the charity Good Things Foundation reveals over a third (38%) of UK adults feel less confident going online since the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The research found that more than half (55%) of Brits have used tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini or CoPilot. Yet, uncertainty is still widespread, with 69% saying AI makes it harder to know what is real.
Good Things FoundationGood Things Foundation launches ‘gateway’ to build confidence using AI
The charity has published a free learning platform focused on boosting AI literacy and designed with digitally excluded audiences in mind. The resources – including videos and quizzes – cover everything from what AI is and how to use it for basic tasks to the risks of AI misinformation and its hidden impacts.
Good Things FoundationFree devices, data, and digital skills to drive up employment in West Yorkshire
People who are unemployed and without digital skills could benefit from a free device and data, as well as vital support for digital skills. The initiative – which will be rolled out in Leeds before expanding to the rest of West Yorkshire – will in particular support those with disabilities or long term health conditions into jobs that work for them. The pilot will support partners in the voluntary and community sector.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
