Summary
Military veterans in the UK can now apply for a digital version of their ID cards starting Friday. This digital card, which can be downloaded to a smartphone, aims to make it easier for veterans to access various public services. The government plans to use this as a test for wider digital ID schemes for British citizens.
Key Facts
- Veterans can download a digital ID card on their smartphones from Friday.
- About 1.8 million veterans qualify to get this digital ID.
- The digital ID will make it easier for veterans to prove their status and access services.
- Physical ID cards for veterans will still be available.
- The digital ID is intended as a test for a future ID system for all British citizens.
- A digital ID scheme for all will be mandatory by 2029 to work legally in the UK.
- The digital veteran card will be stored in the government's One Login smartphone app.
- Digital government minister Ian Murray highlighted privacy and security concerns with the wider rollout.
