London: The United Kingdom government on Friday officially launched its long-awaited digital ID system, beginning with a digital version of the Veteran Card for former members of the armed forces. The move marks the start of a broader digital identity initiative that aims to simplify verification processes, strengthen border control, and reduce illegal employment, officials said.
The new digital veteran ID will serve as a pilot for the national digital identity programme, allowing the government to test security measures and public response before expanding the system to all citizens.
Why the UK launched digital IDs
According to BBC and Sky News, the UK government introduced the digital ID plan to verify individuals’ rights to live and work in the country. Ministers argue that tightening identity verification will help combat illegal immigration by making it harder for undocumented migrants to secure jobs.
“At the moment, it is quite easy to borrow or steal someone else’s National Insurance number,” a government spokesperson said. “The idea is that a digital ID, complete with a photo and encryption, will make it much harder to abuse the system.”
Under the new framework, employers will no longer be able to rely solely on paper-based methods or National Insurance numbers as proof of eligibility to work. Instead, digital IDs will serve as the primary verification tool, preventing fraudulent documentation.
How the system works
The new app-based digital IDs will be stored securely on smartphones, similar to the NHS App or digital banking cards. Each ID will display the holder’s name, photograph, date of birth, nationality, and residency status.
Veterans can now access their credentials through the Gov.uk One Login app, which the government plans to rebrand as the Gov.uk Wallet as more digital credentials become available.
The IDs will be encrypted and accessible only through biometric verification, such as face recognition or fingerprint authentication. Officials claim this makes the digital system safer than traditional physical cards, which are often lost or forged.
“From today, you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have a digital ID. It’s as simple as that,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said while announcing the initiative.
The government also confirmed that another copy of the credential will be held by the Ministry of Defence for verification purposes. However, authorities assured that there will be no centralised database, reducing cybersecurity risks and avoiding what critics call a “honeypot for hackers.”
Similarities with India’s Aadhaar
Observers have noted that the UK’s model appears to draw inspiration from India’s Aadhaar ecosystem, which is widely recognised as the world’s largest digital identity system.
India’s Aadhaar programme, launched in 2009, provides every citizen with a unique 12-digit number linked to biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, and photographs. It is used to verify identities for financial transactions, SIM card registration, and welfare benefits.
Additionally, India’s DigiLocker app allows citizens to store digital versions of official documents — such as Aadhaar, PAN, and driving licences — in one place, accessible through biometric verification.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his recent visit to Mumbai, praised India’s digital infrastructure as a “massive success.” During the visit, he met with Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and the architect of the Aadhaar system, to understand how India built and scaled its national ID model.
Digital veterans card — the first phase
The UK’s new digital veteran card is the first credential available through the digital wallet. It provides former service members with a seamless way to confirm their identity and veteran status, whether online or in person. The virtual version mirrors the physical card and includes advanced security features to protect personal data.
Officials said the pilot project would help build public trust in the digital ID system. Ministers hope the technology will demonstrate how secure, encrypted credentials can function efficiently and safely.
Next steps and public reception
The government plans to expand the scheme to include residency and work permits, driving licences, and passports over the coming years. Public response, data protection standards, and system performance during the veteran pilot phase will influence how quickly the digital IDs are rolled out to the general population.
While privacy advocates have welcomed the government’s assurance of no centralised data storage, they continue to urge transparency in how personal information will be encrypted and managed.
Conclusion
The UK’s move towards digital identity represents a major shift in public administration, marking a significant step toward digitised governance similar to India’s. If successful, it could redefine how citizens interact with government services while curbing document fraud and illegal employment.