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November 14, 2006 By Gina M. Scott
The UK identity cards will hold 50 categories of biometric information which will be stored in the registry. When asked how the Identity and Passport Service (ISP) was planning to keep the information secure, Hall explained that the registry will "be security accredited to the highest standard," and "around this database we will have very tight controls to ensure that those able to access information have been security vetted." Hall approximated that 3,000 people would have access to the database at the ISP; this does not, however, include the various government, police and emergency personnel who would also have access.
As part of the Scheme, chips with personal information will be on each card. The details of exactly what information will be stored on cards verses the database are still in the works, but Hall pointed out that "only some parts of the information will be stored on the card itself. The full set of information will only be stored on the Register itself." At least some biometric data will be on the cards, such as a facial image, just like the UK's e-passports.
The scheme is met with reservation by many UK citizens. Many claim that instead of increasing security, it violates privacy. One participant asked Hall to provide his personal information, supplying a list of questions much like the questions the citizens will be expected to answer for the database. Hall said he does not think the ID cards will threaten privacy.
Others believe that the system is just another step towards a surveillance society. "It seems to me debatable that we are actually entering a surveillance society," Hall responded. "Maybe we should start arguing the case that ID Cards will reduce the threat of the surveillance society and help safeguard civil liberties."
With the UK's problematic technology implementation record, the lack of extensive biometric usability trials, and the fact that the timetable for ID card roll out has been pushed back to 2009 according Prime Minister Tony Blair, the citizens still have mixed feelings on the security of their personal information.
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http://www.govtech.com/security/UK-Chief-Answers-ID-Card-Questions.html
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I can appreciate the concern citizens feel when required to supply personal information. There is always the fear of what will occur with disclosure; afterall, knowledge is power. My question to the opposition of the National Identity Scheme and Registry would be, do you worry more about the possible threat of privacy or about the welfare of the ones you love? In my opinion, I would rather offer up every dark secret I have ever closeted than risk the threat of terroristic violence. Information is power and I would prefer to believe my security will be best served by supporting those government officals by cooperating in an effort of civic duty to ensure that the real threats are revealed. To me, risking a database threat is minimal compared to the very real physical harm that one encounters with non compliance from those serving to protect the general public. In arguing over privacy and civil liberties we offer no support to those attempting to safeguard that privacy and those liberties we have come to take for granted. There is a cost and there will always be a threat to that cost, but I would rather accept the upfront risk of problematic technology than encounter another 911.