The Committee's report examines the Government's proposals for the introduction of an identify cards scheme (Cm 6020, ISBN 0101602022) published in November 2003, and the draft Identity Cards Bill (Cm. 6178, ISBN 0101617828) published in April 2004 for consultation. Issues discussed include: a brief history of identity cards in the UK; international developments including EU standards and schemes in Sweden, Germany, Canada and Australia; the aims of the Government's proposals in relation to preventing illegal working, immigration abuse, organised crime, identity fraud and terrorism; opposition to ID cards on grounds of principle and in practical terms; the 'voluntary' stage of the scheme; Parliamentary scrutiny and concern over 'function creep'; security issues; biometrics; and specific clauses of the draft Bill. The Committee draws 91 conclusions and recommendations, and judges overall that an ID scheme could make a significant contribution to tackling crime and terrorism, but its introduction carries clear risks, both for individual citizens and in practical implementation. Concerns are raised over the lack of clarity and definition in key elements of the proposed scheme, as well as the lack of openness in the procurement process. These concerns must be addressed if it is to secure public confidence and to work in practice.

National identity cards are in the news. While paper ID documents have been used in some countries for a long time, today's rapid growth features high-tech IDs with built-in biometrics and RFID chips. Both long-term trends towards e-Government and the more recent responses to 9/11 have prompted the quest for more stable identity systems. Commercial pressures mix with security rationales to catalyze ID development, aimed at accuracy, efficiency and speed. New ID systems also depend on computerized national registries. Many questions are raised about new IDs but they are often limited by focusing on the cards themselves or on "privacy." Playing the Identity Card shows not only the benefits of how the state can "see" citizens better using these instruments but also the challenges this raises for civil liberties and human rights. ID cards are part of a broader trend towards intensified surveillance and as such are understood very differently according to the history and cultures of the countries concerned.

This report focuses upon the Home Office's identity cards scheme, which uses various technologies including biometrics, information and communication technology (ICT) and smart cards. It explores the ways in which scientific advice, risk and evidence are being managed in relation to technologies that are continually developing. The Home Office has followed good practice by the establishment of advisory committees, the use of Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Gateway Reviews and the development of risk management strategies, along with a policy of gradual implementation. But the Committee has identified weaknesses in the use of scientific advice and evidence. There has been a lack of transparency surrounding the incorporation of scientific advice, the procurement process and the ICT system. Consultations have been limited in scope and their objectives have been unclear. Only some aspects of the scheme such as the biometrics have been determined. The Home Office's decisions demonstrate an inconsistent approach to scientific evidence, and the Committee is concerned that choices regarding biometric technology have preceded trials. With extensive trialling still to take place, the Committee is sceptical about the validity of projected costs. The Committee recommends that the Home Office seeks advice on ICT from senior and experienced professionals and establishes an ICT assurance committee. It is crucial that the Home Office increases clarity and transparency across the programme, not only in problem areas. The programme should also be flexible enough to change should evidence emerge that contradicts existing assumptions.

This publication sets out the responses to the Home Office consultation paper, issued in April 2004 (Cm 6178, ISBN 0101617828), which set out the text of the Governments draft Identity Cards Bill, along with accompanying explanatory notes, regulatory and race equality impact assessments. Responses to the consultation exercise, which ended in July 2004, are given from the general public and a wide variety of organisations, including legal bodies, local government, trade unions, organisations representing ethnic minorities, gypsies and travellers and refugees, police organisations, business organisations, and the Information Commissioner. The document also sets out the findings from other research, focus groups and external events undertaken to gauge public attitudes towards the Governments proposals for identify cards. The Governments draft Bill will now be reviewed in the light of these consultation responses, as well as the recommendations made by the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee in their report (HCP 130-I, session 2003-04, ISBN 0215019059) published in July 2004.

Implications of ID cards for public Services : Oral and written evidence, Thursday 24 November 2005, Professor Patrick Dunleavy, Mr Tony Collins and Mr Richard Tyndall

This Act implements the Government's proposals, set out in the policy document "Identity cards: the next steps" (Cm 6020, ISBN 0101602022) published in November 2003, as amended during the passage of the Identity Cards Bill through Parliament. The Act has 44 clauses and two schedules, and contains provisions to establish the legal framework needed to introduce a UK identity cards scheme, including: the setting up of a National Identity Register; establishing the powers to issue ID cards and designate existing documents; methods for ensuring biographical checks against databases; determining the content of information to be held and safeguards to protect data privacy and accuracy; data access and verification by specified bodies; appointment of the National Identity Scheme Commissioner; creating new criminal offences relating to identity fraud; the power to link future access to public services to production of an ID card; the power to make it compulsory for an individual to register; and provisions relating to passports. The Act applies to the whole of the UK, with the ID cards scheme operating on a UK-wide basis for matters reserved to the UK Parliament (notably immigration and nationality) with provisions applicable to devolved administrations for production of ID cards for access to public services.