Proof of Identity: Digital Technology
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to guarantee that individuals have a right to opt out of digital ID schemes.
Answered by Chris Bryant
The Government has no plans to introduce legislation on the right to opt out of using digital identities. Nor has the Government taken any steps to make their use mandatory.
The digital verification services provisions in the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 are designed to give people choice. They help both people and organisations to realise the benefits of secure digital identities with greater confidence, if they choose to use them.
The Government also plans to introduce digital versions of existing government-issued documents through the GOV.UK Wallet, a secure digital service for storing government-issued credentials on users’ smartphones. However, people will still be able to prove their identity using physical documents if they prefer.
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