The case for identity cards

AlexMac

We're already well down the road to compulsory ID, as our kids found when engaging a conveyancing solicitor; she insisted on ID to comply with the old money-laundering regs or whatever, and the lad doesn't drive, can't afford hols abroad, so has neither passport nor licence... So he's a 'non-person'! Had to dig around the archive (commonly known as six black sacks in the loft) for an expired passport before she'd take him on!

The thing is, if he really was a money-launderer or Colombian drug dealing illegal, I bet he'd have photo-id pouring from every orifice

grizzly1911

AlexMac wrote: »

The thing is, if he really was a money-launderer or Colombian drug dealing illegal, I bet he'd have photo-id pouring from every orifice

I find it surprising , when applying for savings accounts, there is never "criminal activity" given as an option, when "declaring" the source of funds;)

chris_m

CLAPTON wrote: »

for large It systems there is a general rule of thumb (which like all rules of thumb is not accurate but is of some use)
the system of the system is split somewhat like this

1/3 goes to 'build' the system
1/3 goes to implmenet the system
1/3 goes in recurring ongoing costs to actually operate the system

And a further 1/3 goes in fixing the issues created because it wasn't specced or built correctly in the first place.

Yes I know that makes 4/3 - but when did a government project ever come in at or below budget?
:mad:

grizzly1911

chris_m wrote: »

And a further 1/3 goes in fixing the issues created because it wasn't specced or built correctly in the first place.

Yes I know that makes 4/3 - but when did a government project ever come in at or below budget?
:mad:

Don't forget the 2/3 that goes into thinking about whether they might do it to start with.

chris_m

grizzly1911 wrote: »

Don't forget the 2/3 that goes into thinking about whether they might do it to start with.

Good point - also the extra 1/3 which is the cost of cancelling the project before it's fully implemented.

I "think" that brings us to 7/3 now, probably about par for a cancelled government project - maybe we should apply to join the Treasury, we ought to be adequately qualified

dsab

I believe ID Card would be a good idea, as long as it is regulated (and independently verified) what is actually saved on those cards.

I quite like the new German ID Cards. The ID card is quite regulated and there is even a ID Card Law.

Most of all they serve as a Identification to Police, Customs, Immigration, Revenue etc.

Second they will clearly give your current address and can be used as proof of address, i.e. none of that nonsense of having to carry around household bills etc. Said that, they already have the right laws in place, as there is a address registry law in Germany, and you have to inform the City Hall of any move within 5 days of moving, and the address on the card will be changed with every move etc. You will be able to prove your ID and Address to anyone who you want to give some assurance (Banks, Private High Value Sales, Bookings etc.).

In addition to that they can these days be used as online identification. That means they will enable you to do and sign your Tax returns online, do online shopping with the retailer being sure that you are who you claim to be, be able to sign legally binding contracts online etc. It might not only help with Immigration matters, access to NHS but also help in preventing some of the ongoing ID fraud.

kabayiri

Q. What's more dangerous than a terrorist ?

A. A terrorist with a valid ID card !

grizzly1911

kabayiri wrote: »

Q. What's more dangerous than a terrorist ?

A. A terrorist with a valid ID card !

That's the point really whatever system you put in place will be breached.

Ministry of Defence joins firms to tackle cyber threat

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23191891


'Master key' to Android phones uncovered

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23179522

kabayiri

Possibly, then, an id card system could lull us into a false sense of security.

To keep up citizen awareness, instead, the authorities should stage mock attacks...(ok, bit far you think?)

kwmlondon

Well, sir, there's bad news I'm afraid. It seems that you need a liver transplant. Normally we would be happy to put you on the waiting list, but I'm afraid that our records show that you have been consuming more than the recommended number of units of alcohol on many occasions over the past 24 years - your transactions at the supermarket have been logged. I'm sure you'll agree that the NHS isn't a blank cheque and it was your own responsibility to look after your health so you'll understand that we will only be able to offer you an hour of counselling as treatment for your illness. The introduction of ID cards has made it much easier to track people's behaviour and ensure that their insurance, health provision and entitlements are adjusted accordingly.