Opinion: Pilot digital ID wallet raises concerns
By Nathan Keane
'New EU legislation requires every EU member state to introduce a secure digital identity wallet.'
That is the first line of a government announcement earlier this month, describing their reasons for introducing a digital identity wallet - a card that, once downloaded on your phone, contains a broad range of digital documents across sectors such as travel, education, health and banking, amongst others.
Testing for this digital ID wallet was launched at the start of this month, with the government keen to assert the ‘optional’ element of the pilot scheme. The project is set to meet EU legal obligations to provide a digital identity wallet for public services by the end of 2026, and private services by the end of 2027. This means that the card must be accepted by banks and payment service providers by the end of next year.
At first glance, this digital ID seems like a convenient way of storing important information, as the concentration of personal data all in one place would streamline important procedures, such as online shopping and travel planning. However, when put under scrutiny, this scheme is extremely worrying.
I don’t believe that this ID system is necessarily safe, or fully benevolent.
Firstly, the scheme is being thrust upon the Irish people, with very little in the form of public consultation beforehand.
I think it is quite clear that the sole reason that the government is installing this digital wallet is to appease the EU, bearing a similarity to when the government attempted to impose hate speech legislation to meet EU standards.
(The speed at which the government is implementing this initiative makes one wish they could be as efficient when, let’s say for instance, building a children’s hospital.)
The UK is a good current example of public opposition to digital identity cards. The Labour government attempted to introduce a similar scheme earlier this year, but received backlash from the general public, opposition MPs, and civil rights organisation Big Brother Watch (who described the plan for UK digital ID as 'domestic mass surveillance infrastructure').
The plans for the Irish digital ID wallet have also come under scrutiny from civil rights groups. Joe O’Brien, executive officer of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, remarked: “These reports suggest the Minister wants every adult and child in Ireland over the age of 15 to present a MyGovID whenever they want to post on social media. On what legal basis?”
What I find most worrying about this proposal is the complete removal of online anonymity.
If this was to go ahead, when someone wishes to voice their opinion on social media, they must identify themselves to the social media platform, using their online government identity card. This could easily be used in future to censor criticism.
The idea of a digital ID card holding banking, health and travel information is strikingly similar to China’s identity card, which requires citizens to confirm their identity and details before they can sign in to social media platforms.
This has led to critics citing China’s excessive surveillance and governmental control - with many worrying that the regime would be willing to interfere with citizens' bank accounts and travel documents to punish dissenters. I believe similar concerns - while not as extreme - should be voiced in Ireland.
In conclusion, while the installation of the digital ID wallet is currently optional, and the potential risks are being played down by the government, I fear that the personal security and privacy of Irish citizens could be on a very slippery slope.