10,000 volunteers to trial ID cards

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The government has announced the launch of a trial to pave the way for its compulsory ID card scheme.

The trial will use 10,000 volunteers and test out various biometric elements for the card, including iris identification, facial recognition and fingerprinting.

The volunteers will carry their own card with their personal data stored on it and the results of the trial are intended to set the stage for the introduction of mandatory identity cards, as well as help the government in its roll-out of biometric passports and driving licences.

The trial will last from January to June 2004 and will be run by the UK Passport Service in conjunction with the DVLA and the Home Office. Among the elements under review will be the effectiveness and use of the biometric element, the cost, and public reaction.

Beverley Hughes, Home Office Minister, said in a statement: "We are building the foundations for a compulsory national identity card scheme, and are moving ahead with the development and testing of this cutting-edge technology. This large-scale trial into the practicalities of recording and verifying biometrics will play an important part in that process. The issuing of upgraded biometric passports from 2005 will help build the base for the identity card scheme."

The on-again, off-again passage of the ID card scheme has been fraught with political tension, and it's predicted that David Blunkett will have to overcome some massive obstacles before he can get the cards into UK wallets.

Talkback

I want to be part of the project. Is it too late to announce my interest? If not, who should I contact?

via Facebook 6 December, 2003 12:20
Reply

Is it possible to become one of the volunteers.

via Facebook 8 December, 2003 11:37
Reply

I wish to participate to the pilot. Please contact me at my email address.

Thank you.

via Facebook 23 April, 2004 22:38
Reply

Would you have citizens from other countries who live in the UK as part of the trial? If yes, how do I volunteer?

via Facebook 24 April, 2004 20:09
Reply

I would like to volunteer for this ID card Pilot scheme if possible.

via Facebook 24 April, 2004 22:06
Reply

I would like to be a volunteer for the ID card scheme. How do I go about it?

via Facebook 25 April, 2004 21:20
Reply

I would like to volunteer ID card.Can you tell me how/

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 08:56
Reply

I would like to volunteer to new ID card if it is possible.

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 08:59
Reply

I woukld like to take part in the new ID Card trial, if possible

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 09:38
Reply

I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how to apply?

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 10:25
Reply

I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how to apply?

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 10:25
Reply

My wife and I would like to participate in the trials of the biometric passports and I.D cards how do we apply.
Alan Frost

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 10:26
Reply

i would like to volunteer for the I.D. scheme.
please contact me at my e-mail address

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 11:43
Reply

How can I take part in the Identity Card trial?

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 18:19
Reply

I have recently returned to U.K. after 21 years in South Africa, where the carrying of cards and I.D. books is the norm. I wish to be a volunteer.

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 18:57
Reply

My wife and i would like to volunteer for the id cards as we are already carrying ids as i am a serving prison officer and my wife works within a school we feel that its the best way to save our identitys and the future of our children.

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 19:03
Reply

I'd be delighted to volenteer to trial the new id cards. Please let me know how I can become part of this group.

via Facebook 26 April, 2004 21:44
Reply

I would like to be one of the volunteers. What do I need to do?

via Facebook 27 April, 2004 08:34
Reply

I would like to volunteer on this scheme.Please e-mail me more information or contacts.

via Facebook 28 April, 2004 11:44
Reply

I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE ID CARD I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE WHERE IS THE PROBLEM

via Facebook 28 April, 2004 16:20
Reply

I have yet to hear a single good reason why we need an ID card, or why that ID card needs biometric information, of all things, stored on it. We hear the same old scare stores of being over run by illegal immigrants and ID cards being the magic bullet to stop terrorists, (interestingly on that point I believe Spain have had id cards for a number of years). Personally I think it’s the first step on a very slippery slope. Do any of the people who are so eager to sign up really trust this (or any future government) not to use these id cards further erode our privacy and civil liberties. Interesting to see the old “if you haven’t got anything to hide whats the problem?” argument. Do you use envelopes to send your personal mail, if you haven’t got anything to hide, why not just use a postcard? Got a password on your PC/Laptop? But considering the governments reputation with IT projects it will be over budget, late and won’t work I’m probably worrying about nothing.

via Facebook 30 April, 2004 17:44
Reply

Interesting to see the number of people wanting to sign up for an ID card, but most of them want to remain anonymous on a message board.

via Facebook 30 April, 2004 17:47
Reply

I spent 27 years living and working in mainland Europe and I.D. cards had to be carried at all times. No seven days to produce (allowing the criminal fraternity to cook one up). I found, as a law abiding citizen, only benefits in carrying my I.D. card. Since returning to the U.K. I have experienced nothing but problems, ie. we need a gas bill or somilar to prove who you are. So what ius to stop me going along to the first house, routing through the mail in the porch and producing an appropriate document. Come on.....join the rest of the planet. What is wrong with this country? Do we always have to bow and scrape to the vociferous minority. Carrying I.D. cards would stop kids using licensed premises, would enable accident victims to be identified and one thousand other benefits. There are no disadvantages!.......Unless you have something to hide-tough!

via Facebook 4 May, 2004 20:55
Reply

I dont support the introduction of idcards, but i am amused to note how many of those who wish to take part in this trial send there requests as anonymous !.

via Facebook 15 May, 2004 16:21
Reply

People tend to forget that we already have many computer data bases recording data on us already. The superstores have lots of data on loyalty card users, the government has PNC2, Tax office, intelligence services (MI5, Special Branch), DVLA and many others to use and mess up.
We are monitored by CCTV daily, passport control when we leave the country and our location is quickly traceable when we use our cash cards or mobile phones.
What people (myself included) seem to object to is the idea that "those with power" want even more obtrusive data which doesn't appear to be that reliable or capable of preventing terrorism or crime.
The idea that criminals wouldnt be capable of finding a way round the security measures is laughable and all of the 9/11 terrorists used their own passports! To rub salt in the wound they want us to pay for the privelage of them cocking it all up again. Anyone remember passport computerisation?

via Facebook 18 May, 2004 11:02
Reply

I wish to be a volunteer for the new National Idetity card

via Facebook 21 May, 2004 12:01
Reply

do you know if there is a minimum age you have to be to be a volunteer? if so what is it? and is it too late to be a volunteer?

via Facebook 23 May, 2004 14:26
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I want to be part of the project. Is it too late? If not, who should I contact? Will it cost me anything.

via Facebook 24 May, 2004 16:09
Reply

I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how to apply?

via Facebook 5 June, 2004 05:46
Reply

How can I take part in the Identity Card trial?

via Facebook 13 August, 2004 10:50
Reply

Both myself and my wife would like to volunteer to help on the ID Card scheme. Anyone know how to take part?

via Facebook 16 August, 2004 18:07
Reply

I will refuse to use an ID card on principal , this is a direct threat to civil liberties (branding the cattle only benefits the farmer) but I am amazed at the number of lemmings ready to give up their rights willingly...

via Facebook 3 December, 2004 13:15
Reply

I would like to volunteer for pilot scheme, can anyone tell me how. ID cards long overdue.

via Facebook 27 June, 2005 01:21
Reply

I too would like to spend £300 on something that allows the authorities to track my every move whilst simultaneously doing nothing whatsoever to combat terrorism, fraud or illegal immigration.

Where do I sign..?

via Facebook 28 June, 2005 17:14
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I wish to take part in the pilot, please contact me at my email address.

via Facebook 29 June, 2005 05:40
Reply

What do the volunteers expect for their assistance? Maybe they will get good citizen gold stars next their names in the new database.

via Facebook 23 February, 2006 15:03
Reply

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