Menu
21/05/2004
First stage of national ID card scheme launched
Plans have been unveiled today that will see 10,000 volunteers in London, Newcastle, Leicester and Glasgow taking part in the first stage of the UK's national identity card scheme.
The large-scale trial of the high-tech biometric technology which will underpin the ID card was launched in Scotland today by Home Office Minister Des Browne. The move follows on from the publication last month of draft legislation to bring in a compulsory national identity card.
Members of the public will have their irises, fingerprints and facial biometrics recorded as part of the UK Passport Service (UKPS) trial taking place at the Glasgow Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office.
Volunteers will receive a demonstrator smart card containing their details on an electronic chip. The UKPS trial will investigate the practicalities of the biometric enrolment process, with ten thousand volunteers across the UK taking part. The trial will inform plans to incorporate biometrics in passports and help build a base for the national compulsory identity cards scheme.
It is hoped that the card will combat identity crime – which costs the UK £1.3 billion a year. ID fraud facilitates organised crime, illegal immigration, benefit fraud, illegal working and terrorism.
Mr Browne said that the scheme was an "ambitious, long-term scheme", and so it was was essential to get the technology right.
"Only by planning ahead and taking steps now to create a modern, secure means of confirming identity, can we ensure that in the years to come we will be able to take on the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals, and that UK citizens have a secure form of identity to use in everyday life and travel," he said.
Chief Executive of UKPS Bernard Herdan said the use of biometrics was just one of a wide range of measures the UK Passport Service was undertaking to "improve the security of our systems and of the passport document itself".
He added: "We are working with other government departments and nations to catch identity fraudsters and prevent identity crime from happening in the first place."
The trial is taking place at four fixed sites - the London Passport office, Newcastle Registrar's office, Leicester Post Office and Glasgow DVLA office. A mobile unit will visit other locations across the country.
Any UK resident aged 18 or over can volunteer to take part in the trial. Volunteers will complete a questionnaire about their experience of the enrolment process.
(gmcg)
The large-scale trial of the high-tech biometric technology which will underpin the ID card was launched in Scotland today by Home Office Minister Des Browne. The move follows on from the publication last month of draft legislation to bring in a compulsory national identity card.
Members of the public will have their irises, fingerprints and facial biometrics recorded as part of the UK Passport Service (UKPS) trial taking place at the Glasgow Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office.
Volunteers will receive a demonstrator smart card containing their details on an electronic chip. The UKPS trial will investigate the practicalities of the biometric enrolment process, with ten thousand volunteers across the UK taking part. The trial will inform plans to incorporate biometrics in passports and help build a base for the national compulsory identity cards scheme.
It is hoped that the card will combat identity crime – which costs the UK £1.3 billion a year. ID fraud facilitates organised crime, illegal immigration, benefit fraud, illegal working and terrorism.
Mr Browne said that the scheme was an "ambitious, long-term scheme", and so it was was essential to get the technology right.
"Only by planning ahead and taking steps now to create a modern, secure means of confirming identity, can we ensure that in the years to come we will be able to take on the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals, and that UK citizens have a secure form of identity to use in everyday life and travel," he said.
Chief Executive of UKPS Bernard Herdan said the use of biometrics was just one of a wide range of measures the UK Passport Service was undertaking to "improve the security of our systems and of the passport document itself".
He added: "We are working with other government departments and nations to catch identity fraudsters and prevent identity crime from happening in the first place."
The trial is taking place at four fixed sites - the London Passport office, Newcastle Registrar's office, Leicester Post Office and Glasgow DVLA office. A mobile unit will visit other locations across the country.
Any UK resident aged 18 or over can volunteer to take part in the trial. Volunteers will complete a questionnaire about their experience of the enrolment process.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2013
Customers To Be Reimbursed Following Mis-Sold CPP Card Protection
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reached an agreement with Card Protection Plan Limited (CPP) and 13 high street banks and credit card issuers, that will pave the way for redress to be paid to customers who were mis-sold CPP's Card Protection and Identity Protection policies.
Customers To Be Reimbursed Following Mis-Sold CPP Card Protection
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reached an agreement with Card Protection Plan Limited (CPP) and 13 high street banks and credit card issuers, that will pave the way for redress to be paid to customers who were mis-sold CPP's Card Protection and Identity Protection policies.
07 September 2005
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
Government launches ID fraud leaflet
The Home Office have launched a leaflet, advising the British public how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity theft – when someone’s personal information is used by another person to in order to fraudulently obtain benefits or services – is becoming more common.
31 May 2006
Investigation launched into warship security breach
The Navy has launched an investigation after an undercover reporter managed to gain access to one of its warships. The journalist from 'The Sun' said that he spent an hour on board HMS Ocean at the Devonport base, after using a lost identity card belonging to a cleaner.
Investigation launched into warship security breach
The Navy has launched an investigation after an undercover reporter managed to gain access to one of its warships. The journalist from 'The Sun' said that he spent an hour on board HMS Ocean at the Devonport base, after using a lost identity card belonging to a cleaner.
30 July 2009
UK Identity Card Unveiled
The image of the ID card for British citizens was officially unveiled by the Home Secretary today in Manchester and London. The ID card, which can also be used as a travel document in Europe, was revealed by the Home Secretary at St Pancras International Station in London and to residents of Greater Manchester at an event in the city centre.
UK Identity Card Unveiled
The image of the ID card for British citizens was officially unveiled by the Home Secretary today in Manchester and London. The ID card, which can also be used as a travel document in Europe, was revealed by the Home Secretary at St Pancras International Station in London and to residents of Greater Manchester at an event in the city centre.
15 December 2014
Six Men Charged With Terror-Related Offences
Scotland Yard have charged six men with terror and fraud offences. The men were arrested on 30 November in Dover and between 01 and 04 December in London. The men are said to range in age from 24 to 43, and five of the six are believed to be from London.
Six Men Charged With Terror-Related Offences
Scotland Yard have charged six men with terror and fraud offences. The men were arrested on 30 November in Dover and between 01 and 04 December in London. The men are said to range in age from 24 to 43, and five of the six are believed to be from London.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
