Britain Goes Digital, Ireland Follows: Should We Be Worried About a Digital ID?

Just two days ago, Britain announced mandatory digital identity cards for all workers by 2029, while Ireland quietly pilots its own digital wallet system. As Cork residents increasingly rely on digital services, the question becomes urgent: how much control should the state have over our identities?

The UK government's announcement on 26 September has sent shockwaves across the Irish Sea. The so-called "BritCard" will be mandatory for employment verification, stored on smartphones through a GOV.UK Wallet app. Without it, you simply cannot work legally in Britain.

Meanwhile, Ireland has been testing its own Digital Identity Wallet among 500 public servants, with plans to expand under EU requirements that mandate digital identity systems by 2026. Unlike Britain's mandatory approach, Ireland's system may initially remain optional, though details remain unclear.

What's Actually in These Digital IDs?

The British system will store your name, date of birth, nationality status, and a biometric photo on your phone. The government promises streamlined access to banking, benefits, and public services. Critics worry about surveillance, cyber attacks, and excluding older citizens or those without smartphones.

For Cork, this raises practical questions. Would digital ID make renewing your driving licence easier? Could it speed up social welfare applications or hospital visits? Or would it leave behind those in rural areas with poor internet access?

Ireland's Current Position

We already use the Public Services Card for accessing state benefits, despite ongoing legal challenges about its data practices. Unlike many EU countries, Ireland doesn't issue universal identity cards, relying instead on passports for official identification.

The proposed Irish digital wallet would store virtual copies of birth certificates, driving licences, and health cards using existing MyGovID credentials. Proponents argue this reduces paperwork and prevents identity fraud. Sceptics fear mission creep: what starts as optional convenience often becomes mandatory requirement.

The Cork Angle

Local businesses could benefit from simplified identity verification for hiring or age verification. Cork's growing tech sector might welcome streamlined processes. However, the county's significant elderly population and rural communities could face digital exclusion.

Cross-border implications matter too. With frequent travel between Cork and Britain for work and family, incompatible systems could create bureaucratic nightmares. Northern Ireland politicians have already condemned the British system as undermining the Good Friday Agreement.

Privacy vs Convenience

Digital identity systems create attractive targets for hackers. A single breach could expose millions of citizens' personal data. Centralised systems risk government surveillance, while decentralised storage on individual phones creates different security challenges.

The fundamental question remains: do we trust technology companies and governments to protect our most sensitive information? Britain's previous digital identity system, GOV.UK Verify, was abandoned in 2023 after failing to gain public trust.

What Cork Needs to Consider

Before Ireland commits to any system, as Irish residents we deserve answers, right? Will participation truly remain voluntary? What happens to those who cannot or will not use smartphones? How will data be protected from hackers, misuse, or surveillance?

Most importantly, will Irish citizens have meaningful input into these decisions, or will we simply be told what's been decided for us?

As Britain rushes towards mandatory digital identity, Ireland has the opportunity to chart a more thoughtful course. The conversation needs to happen now, before the technology chooses our path for us.