The days of forgetting your driving licence when buying booze could soon be over. Government-backed digital ID cards are reportedly set to launch in 2025 as part of a push to digitise more state services.
Individuals keen to prove they’re old enough for a pint might soon be able to sign up with an approved company and verify their age and identity through an app, backed by strict government security standards. This move is part of a broader plan to shift state responsibilities online, allowing people to confirm their identity easily via an app for a range of activities, from pub visits, dining out, shopping, opening bank accounts to paying taxes.
Current online systems require two-step verification, but the upcoming app promises a ‘single sign-on’, improving the user experience. The legislation is currently making its way through Parliament within the Data Bill, according to the Express.
If approved, digital identity services could gain government certification and list themselves on a Gov.uk register to demonstrate their trusted status. With the introduction of digital IDs, landlords and shopkeepers will have the option to scan these electronic identifiers to check a customer’s age without needing physical documents – which often leads to questions about personal details like addresses and full names.
This new approach is designed to make the verification process quick and easy, potentially through scanning a QR code or using a similar method. It’s understood that talks are also underway about integrating this into a shop’s checkout system, which would remove the need for a staff member to check a customer’s age – a process that can lead to queues and delays.
There are also discussions about incorporating this into a shop’s checkout system, which would eliminate the need for an attendant to verify a customer’s age, a process that can cause queues and delays. Despite the drive towards this tech innovation, officials have confirmed that the digital ID will not be compulsory, and people will still be able to use other documents like utility bills and driving licences to prove their identity.
In addition to this, the new initiative will enable approximately 250,000 former service personnel to access digital veteran cards on their smartphones. Starting next year, veterans will be able to verify their status using an app designed to expedite access to services and support programmes.