10,000 volunteers to trial ID cards
Published: 05 Dec 2003 15:35 GMT
The government has announced the launch of a trial to pave the way for its compulsory ID card scheme.
The trial will use 10,000 volunteers and test out various biometric elements for the card, including iris identification, facial recognition and fingerprinting.
The volunteers will carry their own card with their personal data stored on it and the results of the trial are intended to set the stage for the introduction of mandatory identity cards, as well as help the government in its roll-out of biometric passports and driving licences.
The trial will last from January to June 2004 and will be run by the UK Passport Service in conjunction with the DVLA and the Home Office. Among the elements under review will be the effectiveness and use of the biometric element, the cost, and public reaction.
Beverley Hughes, Home Office Minister, said in a statement: "We are building the foundations for a compulsory national identity card scheme, and are moving ahead with the development and testing of this cutting-edge technology. This large-scale trial into the practicalities of recording and verifying biometrics will play an important part in that process. The issuing of upgraded biometric passports from 2005 will help build the base for the identity card scheme."
The on-again, off-again passage of the ID card scheme has been fraught with political tension, and it's predicted that David Blunkett will have to overcome some massive obstacles before he can get the cards into UK wallets.
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36 comments
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I want to be part of the project. Is it too late... Colin Silvester -
Is it possible to become one of the volunteers. Stephen Thompson
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I wish to participate to the pilot. Please contact... Anonymous
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I wish to take part in the pilot, please cont... Carl Ford -
Would you have citizens from other countries who l... Anonymous
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I would like to volunteer for this ID card Pilot s... Anonymous
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I would like to be a volunteer for the ID card sch... Anonymous
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I would like to volunteer ID card.Can you tell me... Anonymous
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I would like to volunteer to new ID card if it is... Anonymous
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I woukld like to take part in the new ID Card tria... Anonymous
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I would like to volunteer for pilot scheme, c... Mr R Nightingale
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I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how t... Anonymous
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I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how t... Anonymous
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My wife and I would like to participate in the tri... Alan Frost
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i would like to volunteer for the I.D. scheme.
ple... Anonymous
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How can I take part in the Identity Card trial? C Monahan
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How can I take part in the Identity Card tria... Anonymous
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I have recently returned to U.K. after 21 years in... Malcolm Cottier
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My wife and i would like to volunteer for the id c... Anonymous
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I'd be delighted to volenteer to trial the new id... Ray Baker
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I would like to be one of the volunteers. What do... Anonymous
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I would like to volunteer on this scheme.Please e-... Anonymous
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I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE ID CARD I THINK... Anonymous
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I too would like to spend £300 on something t... Big Brother
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I have yet to hear a single good reason why we nee... Ben
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Interesting to see the number of people wanting to... John
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I spent 27 years living and working in mainland Eu... Alan R Parsons
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I dont support the introduction of idcards, but i... Stephen
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People tend to forget that we already have many co... Anonymous
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I wish to be a volunteer for the new National Idet... Anonymous
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do you know if there is a minimum age you have to... laura
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I want to be part of the project. Is it too late?... Anonymous
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I'd like to volunteer for this, any one know how t... Anonymous
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Both myself and my wife would like to volunteer to... Dave Hartshorne
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I will refuse to use an ID card on principal , thi... Anonymous
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What do the volunteers expect for their assistance... Anonymous
