Leading QC condemns ID cards scheme

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Human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy has blasted the proposed introduction of identity cards.

Speaking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on 28 August, Kennedy said she would "go to the wall" rather than accept their introduction in Britain.

She slated the Government's track record in running central computer systems, saying it couldn't "organise a raffle".

Kennedy said that once the cards are introduced it would change the Government's relationship with the citizen and "there is no way back". If the cards are introduced, the state would have instant access to a huge amount of personal information, including NHS files, on anyone in the country.

She also warned that although the card system was initially to be voluntary, due to a central plank of the next Labour manifesto, it would soon be made compulsory.

Source: Kable's Government Computing

Talkback

I 100% agree with the statment. I am not too woried about them having access to my NHS data (they are never going to get the NHS project working properly, let alone the ID cards one!!).

I suppose you can't blame them for trying, but it does cost us a huge amount of money trying to put in IT systems that will never work properly!

via Facebook 4 September, 2006 11:39
Reply

*Receipe for Public Sector IT project success*

1) First add one of two leading consultancies - Accenture and EDS - who will add commercial and technical substance to your scam ... I'm mean 'project'.
2) Sprinkle over plenty of cheap and expendable graduates.
3) Fold-in carefully a reputable, preferably American, software company - the more believeable the balance sheet the better.
4) And finally keep your cupboard well stocked with brown envelopes should you need to slience criticism from the media, politicians, alienated government advisors...<endless list>

via Facebook 4 September, 2006 13:44
Reply

Imagine breaking your little finger and 3 months later, your car insurace renual is due. The insurer asks for "positive ID" and will only accept your National ID Card. They scan it and some idiot decides that because you have had a broken finger, you are a health risk and your premium goes up another £200 or more. This is the reality of Blair's vision. Now imagine another scenario... You have gone to purchase a new TV and want to pay with a credit agreement, the shop scans your ID Card and discovers that you usually shop at one of their main competitors. They either refuse the credit and insist on cash or raise the interest charges. These cards will be designed to hold all your personal data which includes, NI Number, IR account reference number, Bank Account details, Health records, Passport, Drivers License etc. etc. Criminals would have already developed a scanner to beat any so called security system. They probably already have scanners waiting to be used ( the Government should employ them to design the cards with unbreakable security). Now think of what a criminal can do with your lost or stolen card? Finally, I wouldn't want anybody but my GP and medical staff to know of any embarrassing conditions that I may have. If I have bowel, bladder, sexual related etc. problems, that is personal and therefore the cards would breach my human rights and my right to privacy.

via Facebook 5 September, 2006 10:39
Reply

Last months I have read several informations concerning the troubles UK Government must face to introduce the use of ID Cards. The ID Cards are in use in many countries and now a days are an essential support for the development of electronic services for citizens. I think neither this point of view nor the benefits of using an identification system, physical like ID cards or electronic like eCertificates, are clear for citizens.

Dou you think this will influence the development of a solid eGovernment infrastructure in UK in comparison with the efforts other countries are involved in?

via Facebook 12 September, 2006 11:34
Reply

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