Identity Cards as a Point of Huge Controversy in British Society - Essay Example

The introduction of identity cards is a point of huge controversy In British society. Briefly outline the issue andthe reasons offered by the government for why ID cards should be carried at all times , and evaluate the principle arguments of non-government sources in favour and against the proposal. The issuance of National Identity Cards in Britain has been a subject of debate ever since its introduction. The government has provided its own justifications for the introduction of this scheme. Thought it has been supported by many citizens, objections have also been raised with regard to carrying the ID cards. An MORI survey was conducted which showed that the ID cards were supported by 80 percent of the nation. But this survey was questioned by the survey conducted by the Privacy International which conducted a fresh research just a month after the MORI result. The results showed that only 61 percent of the people were in favour of this scheme and a large number of these people also did not agree with all the obligations that were a part of this ID card scheme. Not only this, a large number of people argued that they would openly defy this scheme and they would organize protests and demonstrations against the government on the compulsion of the ID cards. The government believes that its implementation of the ID cards and the requirement of carrying it all times is for the betterment of the people and ensures more security and safety for its citizens only. A few masses do agree with this. But it is also argued by the non government sources that the introduction of identity cards is actually a measure of intrusion of privacy and does not have carry with itself any major gain or advantage (Privacy International). The government believes that implementation of the ID cards will serve to be helpful as it will secure the borders of Britain and lead to a reduction in illegal immigrants entering the boundaries of the country. The government explains the fact that with the advancement in technology and globalization, the world has become a small place. Travelling and the internet has provided major benefits but these technologies pose their own risks. It is for this purpose that the security of the country needs to be tightened and the government has introduced the plan of identity cards to prevent fraudulent activity and secure the identity of the people. It will serve as a helping measure in fight against terrorist activities on the soil of the country (Home Office. Identity and Passport Service 2007 & 2008). The identity card will be compulsory for the foreigners and hence will hold all necessary information about them. That is it will explain their purpose of coming to Britain as well as other important information that whether they possess a work permit or not. It will also prove to be beneficial for foreigners because they are subjected to harassment as they are unable to prove their identity. But with ID cards they will have an official document to overcome this problem. Also it will assist the government in overcoming the difficulties encountered during the processes of immigration and visa (Home Office. Identity and Passport Service 2007 & 2008). The identity cards will also be issued to the people after the age of 16 and it will assist them in attaining a loan for their studies or operate a bank account as well as start working. The government explained that the issuance of identity cards in places with increased risks can also prove be important from the security point of view. Such areas include airports and other important public locations. They will also assist the criminal departments in keeping records. Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary clearly presented the importance of the identity cards in the following words: The Governments National Identity Scheme means that for the first time UK residents will have a single way to secure and verify their identity. We will be able to better protect ourselves and our families against identity fraud, as well as protecting our communities against crime, illegal immigration and terrorism. And it will help us to prove our identity in the course of our daily lives - when travelling, for example, or opening a bank account, applying for a new job, or accessing government services (Home Office. Identity and Passport Service 2008). The people in favour of identity cards believe that they will serve as a measure of providing them with a proper identity mark which will prove to be effective in many different events. This includes the showing of cards for opening accounts, for travelling as well as the use of cards in places where increased security measures are enacted. It is also presented by The Commission for Racial Equality that identity cards will not serve as a measure of prejudice against the races because it will be issued to everyone. The police and the CBI also believe that the identity cards will help them in overcoming difficulties that are faced during checking and interrogation. People in favour of the identity cards also argue that since the cards are provided above the age of 16 years, it will assist the salespersons in the selling of products which come with required ages. The British Medical Association is also in favour of the identity cards as it believes that it will assist doctors in easily availing healthcare facilities. The Financial Services Authority also explains that the identity cards can help people who have difficulties in proving their identity for availing essential opportunities like opening accounts (Bell A). There has been much protest against the implementation of ID cards by the general public. It is believed that the scheme requires more than 50 facts about a person and it is questioned that why is there so much required for just proving ones identity. Also it is believed that this system is centralized and hence it is argued that the identity card will actually intrude the privacy that the individuals enjoy in Britain. It is also believed that the cost of the identity cards is too high and the general public refuses to pay such a high amount when they already consider this system of not being effective. It is also presented that the identity cards will serve to enhance the discrimination against the minorities. Another argument explained against the identity cards is that no proper explanation has been provided about the efficiency that they would serve against overcoming terrorist activities. The opponents also argue that during immigration, documents are already issued to the immigrants and students also have their documents which show all required information and the identity card will not possess any extra benefit (NO2ID and Liberty, Protecting Civil Liberties Promoting Human Rights). The identity cards have hence been a subject of disagreement and controversy. The government argues that the identity cards are very essential as it will help in securing the country. The government is supported by many people but again there are many points that are included in the scheme which these supporters consider to be vague. The opponents also present strong arguments against the implementation of the identity cards. They believe that the id cards will not serve to prevent any terrorist activities and provide examples of other countries where the id cards are in function but did not serve to prevent the terrorist activities. Spain is one such example where the id cards were not able to stop the bombings that took place at the railway station in Madrid(Bell A.). References: Bell A. This resource provides information and arguments around the issue of Identity Cards. Citizenship’s Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/page.php?217 Home Office. Identity and Passport Service (2008). National Identity Scheme Delivery Plan Published. Retrieved from http://www.ips.gov.uk/cps/rde/xchg/ips_live/hs.xsl/244.htm?advanced=&searchoperator=&searchmodifier=&verb=&search_date_from=&search_date_to=&stage=&search_event_subject=&search_category=&search_query=&search_scope=&search_group=&varChunk= Home Office. Identity and Passport Service (2007). Securing Our Identity: A 21st Century Public Good. Retrieved from http://www.ips.gov.uk/cps/rde/xchg/ips_live/hs.xsl/225.htm?advanced=&searchoperator=&searchmodifier=&verb=&search_date_from=&search_date_to=&stage=&search_event_subject=&search_category=&search_query=&search_scope=&search_group=&varChunk= NO2ID. The problems with "ID Cards". Retrieved from http://www.no2id.net/IDSchemes/whyNot.php PRIVACY INTERNATIONAL. A Nation Dividend. Retrieved from http://www.privacyinternational.org/issues/idcard/uk/idpollanalysis.pdf WHY LIBERTY OPPOSES ID CARDS. Liberty, Protecting Civil Liberties Promoting Human Rights. Retrieved from http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/issues/3-privacy/31-id-cards/why-liberty-opposes-id-cards.shtml Read More