Despite growing opposition the government still seem hell bent on introducing a national identity card scheme in the UK. Pilot schemes are taking place now withthout any attempt to explain just how the ID card would be used in the future. A proposed pilot scheme in April (2004) had to be cancelled as it became apparent that the technology being used was flawed. Biometric information will be the technological basis for the ID scheme. Retinal scanning and fingerprinting are expected to be the main forms of biometric information.

However resistance to ID cards and the national or European wide database needed to store all our biometric information is growing. In a recent survey conducted by research company YouGov up to five million people (28%) would take to the streets to demonstrate against ID cards. With 16% saying they would participate in a campaign of civil disobedience, which would equate to around 2.8 million people. One million would be prepared to to go to prison rather than register for the card. Will the state risk another popular revolt along the lines of the poll tax one, but even bigger this time?

Civil rights groups like Privacy International who commissioned the survey believe that the whole ID card scheme could be scuppered by the amount of growing resistance to it. Other people are taking no chances as campaign and resistance groups like Defy-ID and No2ID begin to mobilise against the scheme. If the invasion of privacy by the state demanding and storing our personal biometric information isn't enough, if the thought of being asked for your papers/ID when you walk down the street isn't enough, imagine what use the information could be put to in the future if fascist groups like the BNP ever got their hands on the database!

For an in depth explanation of all the issues I recommend  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/05/05/complete_idcard_guide/.

If you're interested in the low key consultation process taking place at the moment you can make your views known to the government by sending an email with 'consultation process' in the subject window to:  identitycards@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or fax it on +44 (0)20 7035 5386. The deadline for consultation is July 20th 2004.