identity project
Monday, December 12, 2005
ID Cards
An ID card is another way of identifying an individual, although in this case unlike the previously discussed identifiers that are biometric, a government or establishment introduces this for a purpose.
Over 100 countries around the world have national ID cards, not all of these developed, in fact the majority aren’t and the UK as you may well know is currently debating whether there is to be one introduced. The function and integrity of these cards can vary enormously from country to country. More commonly used are specific purpose ID cards, for social security, health or since 1996 the UK photo-card driving license. The key to these cards is generally the number contained on it, either just as text or through technologies such as a barcode or magnetic strip. This number then links to a database containing information on its owner.
The UK version of this ID card which is due to be implemented by 2007-2008 has been fuelled by various reasons including the need for a document that is acceptable to other European countries, and to combat illegal immigration and working, terrorism and identity fraud.
The heart of the plan however would show a parallel increase in police power and the ‘big brother’ society.
Below shows what the UK ID card might look like….
ID cards can have different visual elements, such as the photo, crest and flag shown here on the mock UK ID. Brazil and Italy for instance hold the owners fingerprint along with personal details.
Over 100 countries around the world have national ID cards, not all of these developed, in fact the majority aren’t and the UK as you may well know is currently debating whether there is to be one introduced. The function and integrity of these cards can vary enormously from country to country. More commonly used are specific purpose ID cards, for social security, health or since 1996 the UK photo-card driving license. The key to these cards is generally the number contained on it, either just as text or through technologies such as a barcode or magnetic strip. This number then links to a database containing information on its owner.
The UK version of this ID card which is due to be implemented by 2007-2008 has been fuelled by various reasons including the need for a document that is acceptable to other European countries, and to combat illegal immigration and working, terrorism and identity fraud.
The heart of the plan however would show a parallel increase in police power and the ‘big brother’ society.
Below shows what the UK ID card might look like….
ID cards can have different visual elements, such as the photo, crest and flag shown here on the mock UK ID. Brazil and Italy for instance hold the owners fingerprint along with personal details.
:: posted by Greg Pidgeon, 1:35 PM
