Released 14th February 2003

The Information Commissioner has spoken out against the 'substantial risks' to data protection, privacy and human rights involved in the Government's proposals for Entitlement Cards.

Welcoming the Information Commissioners comments Karen Bartlett, Director of Charter88, said:

"The Government claims that this system will not be open to abuse. There is nothing to fear from Entitlement Cards if you have nothing to hide. This will not reassure the Grandmother from Sussex who was recently threatened with deportation."

"Although the Government already holds lots of information on us, for the first time all this information might be put in one place. Your file on a national database might contain your medical records, your police records, your benefit entitlements, perhaps even your bank records. Blunkett has suggested that all government departments could make use of this information if they wish. The shambles that accompanied the changes in passport administration show all to clearly the dangers of a national database."

"Without a written constitution UK citizens have no fundamental protection against the gradual erosion of their civil liberties. Other countries that have identity cards such as France and Germany have this safeguard in place."

"There seems to be a lot of confusion as to the purpose of this card. One minute it will prevent illegal working, the next it will allow us to gain access to services, the next it will replace the need to carry round other sources of identification. This scheme is a solution looking for a problem."

The Charter88 Liberty publication 'ID Cards: Arguments Against' is available on this website.