AdobePinon

It sounds as though getting the next passport is going to be a righteous pain in the arse.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4707608.stm

See also: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4630045.stm

It's the 'other biometric information' wich I see as an issue. For example, does this mean we'll need to go to an embassy to get an iris scan? Can't say I'm too excited about it having my [future] US passport number on it, either.

BigDavyG

Do you think these are likely to become a reality ??
I can't understand the need myself - aren't passports and driving licenses enough ???
The justification of helping the fight against terror and dealing with the immigration problem is often used - answers on a postcard please

anotherlimey

So they'll give out two forms of ID instead of one?

Great; just what I need.

Sounds to me like it will be a complete mess; remember all the problems they had with the passport system a few years back?

Not to mention the passport office worker selling 'real' passports to illegal immigrants; IDs are virtually useless for authentication if they can be obtained illegally.

frrussre

I expect the card will need to be 3 feet long, to get all that info written on it?
Reg. Frank R.
PS. Fink mine needs renewing next year.

BigDavyG

Ha ha - I was just thinking that.
Perhaps if everyone was just implanted with a microchip it would be simpler.

Bob

Bit pricey ain't they?

And what you gonna do if you live in the middle of f@cknowswhere?

AdobePinon

I would hope not, but then our lovely government seems hell bent on doing stupid crap like this. Seems like an identity thief's dream, eh?

Plus last I heard, the US wanted all new US passports to contain RFID chips so every Tom, Dick and Harry with the right gear could read it without you even knowing it. Secure RFID chips were apparently considered 'too expensive'. Hopefully that one dies too, if it isn't already.

frrussre

I think they should go for the 3' card stapled to our bodies. Or make a sandwich board, ID card on one side & advertising on the other.
Reg. Frank R.

fatbrit

I thought this card was for residents only. So most of us will be exempt...

User Name

One in five people have an "RFID" problem. Stop for a moment and think of your four closest friends, do any of them have an RFID issue? If not, its probably you who has this dreadful condition. Seek advice ... and quickly.

AdobePinon

Hope so, but the requirement for ID card + passport is new - don't know if they've considered the expat issue on that one.

fatbrit

Who’ll be eligible for an ID card?
You will be eligible for an ID card if you are:
*UK resident for three months or more
*over the age of 16
Source: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/passpor...tion/id-cards/

Seems we'll be ostracized,. Hope they don't want the DL back!

AdobePinon

You're right: http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/02/13/s....ap/index.html

User Name

Where do they get the idea that this is a new thing ... there's a well known professor in England (funny, but I can't remember him!) who planted one or more chips into his body ... about 10 years or so ago.

Joke mode: Last thing I heard, FedEx RFID'ed him and mailed him to Alaska. In the words of George Orwell (or somebody like him), "Not all (RFID) chips are equal, some are more equal than others." Amazing dude.

JAJ

I don't know if identity cards will be issued to British citizens outside the United Kingdom.

However, interviews for first time adult applicants are likely to be introduced in the near future.

I doubt that will apply to those U.S. citizens who also have British citizenship - only to Americans living in the UK who haven't taken out British citizenship.