What does everyone think to compulsary ID cards then?

Personally, it makes me uncomfortable... I feel that I am living in The Matrix more and more these days!

My mother reminds me that ID cards were compulsory during the War, and it didn't bother anybody then, and they're compulsory in most other European countries.

I'm not sure though. Not with the amount of information these new ones will have encrypted. It won't just be a matter of name and address ...

Could it be a case of, if you havnt got anything to hide, you dont need to worry ;)
Just a thought :)
Lea :)

I used to think that, Lea, but if all the info's on computer, which people hack into all the time, a clever techie person could change all sorts of things. Also, the last I heard, they were going to be compulsory, but we'd have to pay for them. There's a nice little earner, because we'll need to pay for updated ones every 10 years like the photo driving licences. :(

I don't have anything to hide - but I'd prefer to not hide anything in private!

There are frequent miscarriages of justice Lea and false accusations - if only it were as simple as not having anything to hide!

These are going to have iris/fingerprints and facial dimensions apparently. Also they care going to help Credit Card fraud - which means the govt have a legitimate reason to watch our spending and collate information...and thats just the start....

George Orwell and Big brother springs to mind :-(

I'm ambivilent but then I haven't seen the Matrix :)

Other countries seem to manage with them with out any controversy.

But then they do have half competent governments running the show, if  ID cards are anything like other things the government have had a hand in then I expect they'll be a very expensive fiasco for us to pay for.

Add a couple of enquiries to exonerate all those involved, escelating costs through out the whole project and it could end up being a very expensive bit of plastic and microchip to leave at home in the bottom of a draw.

And at the end of it all it will probably be the Tories fault because they didn't introduce them in the first place., or any one  living up north because they didn't vote for a regional assembly. :)

Edited to say :-  I can't see them being of any use any way, except perhaps to raise revenue with on the spot fines for not carrying one, and for something for the forgers to turn their attention to.

I carried one as a child and regularly had to 'flash' it. I don't mind at all. Just another dilemma waiting to happen when I lose it :D And another piece of ID with a dodgy photo on it :rolleyes:  :D

  What about taking DNA from newborns to compile a national DNA data bank? Not sure how I feel about that one......

If they could prove to me that it would stop fraudulent Social Security payments and illegal immigrants flooding into the country, then I would be first in the queue for mine.

Unfortunately, I doubt if they can and it will be a case of the honest citizen paying for the rest as usual.

Sandra

I *was* happy with the idea of ID cards, after all, having been bought up on an RAF camp for most of my childhood, they had been part of my life. However, when I found out exactly *what* info Mr Blunkett wanted to include on the new ID cards I very decidedly became ANTI them

Melody. What info do they want to include in them??????
And totally agree with Sandra. If it can stop illegal immigrants etc than I would happily carry one ;)
Lea :)

Lea...read through this Privacy.org Pay particular attention to the *Biometric  system* This site answers a lot of questions that people may have about the card. Also, it will cost roughly £35 ;)

I've lived in Asia where ID cards are compulsory and must be carried at all times. Your tax code, driving licence, visa status etc were all linked to your ID card. My big problem with it was the photograph - always awful. But in general it was an accepted fact and didn't seem to bother people. If you were stopped by the police and did not have your ID card, you could be imprisoned!!!this stop and search was used to flush out illegal immigrants.

We don't have enough room in the prisons for that Pat :( Apparantly, it will be compulsory to HAVE one but not to carry one :rolleyes:

Its going to cost 3 billion at least and we will have to pay £85 for them. It will be the people that have nothing to hide that will cough up the money and as always the criminals will get around the law.To my mind a total waste of money that could be better spent.

True Melody - the prisons are already overcrowded.

Chloe, it could be just the thought of it.  Something like Logans Run ;-)

The banks have been working hard on the biometrics for a while and are contributing to development also. I think it may be for the good.

I watched a bit of a police show tonight and I am sure our steets are getting more and more out of control.  so many people have no respect for society. I would like people to have plenty rights just use them in a proper manner.

BFN Pam

Or Soylent Green. Where on your 65th birthday you're put down, due to planetary overcrowding. And turned into food ...

I will taste bad ....I will make SURE of it :D

LOL!! I'm already pickled.