Under consideration PE2260: Do not introduce the planned Digital Proof of Age app, or any other form of Digital ID

Background information

When the UK Government unveiled its plans for Mandatory Digital ID, there were immediate concerns relating to digital privacy, security risks, and concerns surrounding intrusive surveillance. Despite the First Minister publicly stating that he disapproved of those plans, this proposed app sounds much the same and carries the same risks.

The idea of creating a digital platform that houses several pieces of your personal information is fundamentally flawed. A centralised location full of sensitive information is a perfect target for hackers, while also opening the door to potentially intrusive state surveillance.

The Scottish Government has informed me that this app is intended to be used for storing "important documents" in one place. Important documents very likely refers to things like a Driver's license, Birth Certificate, Passport etc., all of which should not be stored in a centralised location as it puts people’s privacy and security at unnecessary risk.