By 2027, Britons will be able to store a digital version of their passports on smartphones through a government-launched digital wallet app. Initially for domestic use, it may later support international travel. The app will also include documents like driving licenses, birth certificates, and more by 2027, utilizing smartphone security features for protection. However, privacy concerns have been raised regarding data security and potential misuse by hackers. Critics argue that this could limit options for non-digital IDs. The government asserts that physical documents will still be available and emphasizes that internet access issues will be addressed.
By 2027, people will be able to store a digital version of their British passport on their smartphones, which will revolutionize international travel.
Britons will be able to store important documents such as passports and driving licenses on their phones using a digital wallet app due to be launched by the government at the end of the year.
Initially, it will be used only for domestic use, but depending on an agreement, it may eventually be possible to use it for overseas travel as well.
Digitizing passports was an idea first thought up by Finland, where Finns were able to travel to the UK using their mobile phones as part of a pilot programme.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has launched a new government app, claiming it is the start of “services tailored to the needs of individuals”.
“The key feature we want from a passport is to be able to travel with it without constantly having to worry about forgetting it,” he told the Times.
“But it doesn’t depend on the UK, it depends on the country you travel to, so we keep a close eye on international standards.
“As these standards become clearer, it is natural that governments will want to benefit as much as possible from them.”
The digital version of the British passport will initially be for domestic use only, but subject to agreement it could eventually be used for international travel (file image)
Brits will be able to store important documents such as passports and driving licenses on their phones using digital wallet apps
The digital “wallet” will first go on sale in June with veterans’ cards, followed by a driver’s license pilot.
And in 2027, a hub for all government credentials will be available, including birth certificates, National Insurance numbers, powers of attorney, marriage certificates, DBS certificates, and work and rental rights.
This wallet leverages security features already built into modern smartphones, such as facial recognition, for protection.
But those who still want to use the small plastic cards need not worry, as physical documents will still be available, the government said.
Ministers hope the app will also make it much easier to access services such as applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport.
You will also have access to your digital credentials immediately after your successful application, instead of waiting for them to arrive in the mail.
Additionally, it can help prevent valuable documents from getting lost when moving or behind file cabinets.
Asked if asylum and immigration status would factor into funding, Mr Kyle said: “I have no idea.”
The digital ‘wallet’ will first be launched in June with the Veterans Card, followed by a driver’s license pilot (stock image)
The new app has raised concerns among privacy activists. Big Brother Watch director Silky Carlo claimed it had “all the hallmarks of the nightmarish database situation envisaged by the Blair government’s failed ID card system”.
He went on to label the proposal “incredibly sensitive, intrusive, and a honeypot for hackers.”
Carlo said: “Governments should modernize identity documents and provide people with digital options, but this approach risks actually narrowing our options and taking control of our own data.” Ta.
“That is, despite our campaigns, the government has inexplicably refused to legally protect the right to use non-digital IDs, and how much sensitive information is transferred through this wallet. Because we haven’t made it clear that we have any control over what will be available.”
Derek Gordon, a digital identity expert at cybersecurity firm NCC Group, agrees that having all your personal information on your phone does not give cybercriminals “another access point” to steal your personal information. I was worried.
If thieves were able to obtain these details, they could be used for identity theft, fraud or resale on the black market, he said.
In response to these claims, Kyle said, “We have no plans to make that happen.” [digital wallet] Duty’. He also stressed that people without internet access will not be “left behind.”
