Smart Card Type Id Card Essay Example

from concerns about terrorism and illegal immigration. Critics argue that the government's true intention is to monitor and control individuals' use of services, despite people paying taxes for those services. However, the government states that the universal entitlement card would serve multiple purposes: (i) confirming the identity of lawfully resident individuals in the UK with a high level of assurance, (ii) establishing an official record of identity accessible by all government departments, (iii) assisting individuals in accessing products and services from both public and private sectors, particularly those who currently face difficulties doing so, and (iv) helping organizations verify individuals' identity, eligibility for products and services, and right to work in the UK (Homeoffice Executive Summary). Nevertheless, some remain doubtful about potential misuse if multiple databases are linked to one central database containing personal information.

The drawbacks of the entitlement card include the potential vulnerability of computer systems to hackers and the misuse of personal information. Moreover, carrying and remembering a card at all times can be inconvenient, especially for elderly individuals. However, the government views the card as a solution to address illegal immigration by dispelling misconceptions about easy employment and access to public services in the country. Employers can simply verify immigration status by checking the card instead. Additionally, it eliminates repetitive disclosure of personal information and helps prevent identity theft by criminals impersonating deceased individuals. It also assists young people in verifying their age when purchasing restricted items. The government further plans to incorporate a unique identifier like a fingerprint or iris scan on the entitlement card.

This would put a halt to any potential fraud that currently takes place with ID cards that

only rely on a photograph. The government recognizes that individuals may have concerns regarding these propositions, so they initiated a consultation from mid-2002 to January 2003. The consultation aimed to determine whether people would be inconvenienced by having to physically visit a location where the necessary equipment was present to record their information.