UK digital identity scheme
The UK Home Affairs Committee labeled the government's digital identity plans a "fiasco" on May 22, 2026, citing poor policy development and communication that damaged public confidence. As of May 22, 2026: The UK government is introducing the Digital Access to Services Bill to create a legal framework for a voluntary digital ID, integrated into the GOV.UK app, despite criticism from the Home Affairs Committee. The government relaunched its digital ID program on March 10, 2026, with a 'Government by app' prototype and national consultation, making the scheme voluntary after dropping mandatory digital IDs for work purposes due to public opposition, including a petition with nearly three million signatures. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, stated that public services need to modernize to match the private sector's efficiency. The digital ID scheme, which will be built in-house, has an undisclosed final budget pending a consultation scheduled for February 2026.
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May 2026 — 2 developments
The UK Home Affairs Committee has labeled the government's digital identity plans a "fiasco," citing poor policy development and communication that have damaged public confidence.
The UK Home Affairs Committee has labeled the government's digital identity plans a "fiasco," citing poor policy development and communication that have damaged public confidence. The committee's report criticizes the handling of initiatives like UK One Login and UK Wallet.
The UK government is introducing the Digital Access to Services Bill to create a legal framework for a digital ID, which will be integrated into the GOV.
The UK government is introducing the Digital Access to Services Bill to create a legal framework for a digital ID, which will be integrated into the GOV.UK app. This bill aims to streamline access to public services, making them more personalized and efficient. While initially proposed as mandatory for right-to-work checks, the digital ID will now be voluntary for this purpose due to public opposition.
March 2026 — 1 developments
The UK government has relaunched its digital ID program, presenting a 'Government by app' prototype …
The UK government has relaunched its digital ID program, presenting a 'Government by app' prototype and initiating a national consultation to gather public views on enhancing access to public services. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, stated that public services need to modernize to match the private sector's efficiency. This relaunch follows the government's decision to drop mandatory digital IDs for work purposes, making the new scheme voluntary.
January 2026 — 8 developments
The UK government's digital ID scheme, which will be built in-house, has an undisclosed final budget pending a consultation scheduled for February.
The UK government's digital ID scheme, which will be built in-house, has an undisclosed final budget pending a consultation scheduled for February.
The UK government is progressing with digital wallet development for government services and intends to build the digital ID scheme using in-house teams, rather than outsourcing it.
The UK government is progressing with digital wallet development for government services and intends to build the digital ID scheme using in-house teams, rather than outsourcing it. This continues despite the recent decision to abandon mandatory digital ID for right-to-work checks.
The UK is scaling back digital ID plans as 'right to work' checks expand in 2026, potentially increasing compliance costs for employers.
The UK is scaling back digital ID plans as 'right to work' checks expand in 2026, potentially increasing compliance costs for employers.
The UK government is preparing to roll out a mobile driving license (mDL) in 2026 as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts.
The UK government is preparing to roll out a mobile driving license (mDL) in 2026 as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. This initiative comes despite public distrust in digital identity schemes.
Labour MPs are pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon unpopular government policies, including mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks.
Labour MPs are pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon unpopular government policies, including mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks.
The UK government's decision to abandon its proposal for mandatory digital ID for right-to-work chec…
The UK government's decision to abandon its proposal for mandatory digital ID for right-to-work checks followed a petition against the mandatory nature of the IDs, which gathered nearly three million signatures.
The UK government revised its digital ID plans, confirming that while digital right-to-work checks w…
The UK government revised its digital ID plans, confirming that while digital right-to-work checks would still be mandatory by 2029, participation in a specific government-issued digital ID scheme would be optional, allowing other digital forms of identification. This marked a significant policy reversal following public and political backlash.
Version gamma 0.
Version gamma 0.4 of the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was released, incorporating improvements and new certification roles, though it remained in the development and testing phase.
November 2025 — 2 developments
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has indicated that the Labour Government's digital ID plan, estimated to cost £1.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has indicated that the Labour Government's digital ID plan, estimated to cost £1.8 billion, is currently 'unfunded.' This information was released prematurely in the OBR's economic and fiscal outlook.
The government confirmed the digital ID scheme for right-to-work checks, outlining that the digital …
The government confirmed the digital ID scheme for right-to-work checks, outlining that the digital ID would serve as authoritative proof of identity and right to work, with a public consultation planned.
October 2025 — 1 developments
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed public concerns about the digital ID policy, stating it will not be used for tracking individuals or as a social scoring system.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed public concerns about the digital ID policy, stating it will not be used for tracking individuals or as a social scoring system. This statement aims to dispel misinformation surrounding the policy.
September 2025 — 1 developments
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced plans for a mandatory digital ID sch…
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced plans for a mandatory digital ID scheme by 2029, stating it would be compulsory for all workers to prove their right to work in the UK.
June 2022 — 1 developments
An updated beta version of the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was published, sup…
An updated beta version of the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was published, superseding the alpha framework and further defining rules, standards, and governance for Digital Identity Service Providers.
December 2021 — 1 developments
The government announced its intention to enable employers and landlords to use certified digital id…
The government announced its intention to enable employers and landlords to use certified digital identity service providers (IDSPs) for identity checks for British and Irish citizens, with legislation taking effect from April 2022.
February 2021 — 1 developments
The UK government published the alpha version of its Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework…
The UK government published the alpha version of its Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, marking a significant step towards a national approach for digital identity solutions.