Entitlement cards and identity fraud

The publication of this Green Paper marks the beginning of a six month consultation process to inform debate on whether the Government should introduce an identity or entitlement card scheme. Potential benefits identified include the reduction of identity theft and fraud and to combat illegal immigration and illegal employment practices. Potential disadvantages include concerns regarding civil liberties issues, the risk of increased levels of fraud if the card scheme is not secure, and the time taken to introduce the scheme and ensure cards are widely held. The consultation paper sets out how a suggested card scheme might operate in practice, how it would comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998, and looks at cost estimates of introducing the scheme. Other options for dealing with identity fraud are also discussed. Annexes to the paper contain a brief history of identity card use during the First and Second World Wars, as well as a summary of schemes operating in other countries.