The UK government has announced plans to launch a digital British passport by 2027, paving the way for a more convenient and secure way to travel. The digital passport will be integrated into a new government “wallet” app, designed to allow users to store and manage important documents, including driving licences and other government-issued credentials, directly on their smartphones.
Initially, the digital passport will be available for domestic use, making it easier for Britons to carry and access their identification for local travel. However, officials have indicated that the long-term goal is for the digital passport to be accepted for international travel, subject to agreements with other countries.
The move follows a similar initiative by Finland, which became the first country to digitise its passport, enabling Finnish citizens to use their digital passports for travel to the UK as part of a pilot programme. The European Union is also exploring the potential for digital passports, suggesting that this could become a significant trend in the future of global travel.
Peter Kyle, the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, introduced the initiative during a launch event for the digital wallet app. Kyle emphasized that this app aims to offer individuals a streamlined and more user-friendly experience with government services. The wallet will not only hold digital passports but also other credentials such as e-driving licences, veteran’s cards, and could eventually include documents like birth certificates, national insurance numbers, and even rights to work or rent.
“The goal is to wrap government services around people’s needs, rather than the other way around,” Kyle explained, noting that the digital passport would remove the worry of misplacing a physical passport while traveling. However, he acknowledged that the international acceptance of the digital passport would depend on the establishment of global standards.
The government has stressed that while digital passports and documents are not compulsory, they are aiming to make the digital wallet highly desirable for the public. Kyle also pointed out that the digital driving licence, which will be launched later this year, could be used for age verification, further expanding the utility of the government wallet.
While many are excited about the convenience of these advancements, privacy campaigners have raised concerns. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, warned that the digital wallet could create an invasive digital identity system that might expose sensitive personal information to hackers. She expressed concerns that this could become a “nightmare database state,” especially if facial recognition data is included in the system.
On the other hand, Derek Gordon, a digital identity expert at NCC Group, echoed similar concerns about the risks of storing large amounts of personal data on smartphones. With cybercrime becoming an increasing threat, Gordon cautioned that the system could potentially be targeted for identity theft or fraud.
Despite the concerns, Kyle reassured the public that the government was committed to ensuring digital inclusion and would not leave behind those who struggle with internet access. The new digital wallet and accompanying app will be launched in June, with plans for broader functionality in the future, allowing users to manage various government services like paying road tax, applying for childcare, and even checking an MOT.
