Identity database on the cards

The UK Passport Service and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are planning a single database, containing details such as fingerprints or iris scans, to identify UK citizens.

The database, which would be established subject to public consultation, could form the basis of the entitlement cards which the government is considering introducing.

Both agencies have set up a working group to explore that practicalities of a "more rigorous" identity database scheme, and are due to report their findings by October.

"The database is at the concept stage and is still subject to public consultation in the summer. The concept is to create a new database containing only identity information and possibly biometric information if deemed appropriate," a Home Office spokeswoman confirmed.

Passports and driving licences could then double up as the cards citizens would use to prove they are entitled to government services.

But as not all UK residents qualify for them, either a separate card would need to be issued to everyone to ensure universal coverage, or a third card would be issued to people who do not qualify for a passport or driving licence.

The Home Office told vnunet.com: "Recording biometric information could help prevent people applying for more than one card which could then allow them to make multiple applications for services such as benefits.

"It could also help to check that the person presenting the card is the person to whom it was issued if the necessary equipment to check the biometric information was installed at the point of use."

But Roger Bingham, of human rights campaigners Liberty, said that creating a database is unnecessary because just having the biometric information stored on the card would be security enough.

Card readers could be used to check that the details on the card match the holder, without any need for a central database, he maintained.

"Do you need to create a database with this level of information in it? What threat are you tackling with it? Will we have sufficient guarantees that the database will be protected and won't be misused?" he asked.

A public consultation on entitlement cards is due this summer, and the discussion of the database and biometrics will form part of the process.

"Comments will be invited on the findings and on whether the use of biometric information would be acceptable to the public," said the Home Office.