Background Information

Background on Biometric Passports 30/03/2004
In an effort to 'secure' passport and visa documentation, biometric passports are being promoted by the UN-level International Civil Aviation Organization. This initiative was led by the U.S., and is leading to national biometric databases, national ID cards, and the international trade in our most personal information, as an infrastructure of surveillance is born.

ID cards in the UK FAQ 22/07/2002
On July 3rd, 2002, the UK Government published a consultation paper on a national identity card. Privacy International has investigated such proposals across the world for more than a decade. Here, we answer all the questions the government has failed to answer.

History of ID Cards in the United Kingdom 01/01/1997
During World War II, a national ID card was established to facilitate identification of aliens. Persons were required to carry the card at all times and show it on demand to police and members of the armed forces...

ID Card Frequently Asked Questions 22/08/1996
This report provides an analysis of the key aspects of identity (ID) cards and related technologies. It has been prepared by Privacy International in the wake of widespread concern across the world about the implications of modern ID systems. Our intention here is to discuss the evidence at an international level and to promote debate about the claims made about such card systems.

Key PI Resources

Leading surveillance societies in the EU and the World 2007 28/12/2007

Privacy International's rankings of privacy protection around the world.

News and Developments

UK Presidency of the EU starts immediately on surveillance package 13/07/2005
The UK is starting its presidency of the EU with a number of surveillance proposals including the monitoring of financial transactions and communications, the sharing of data between member states, and the collection of fingerprints.

UK Home Secretary Attacks PI Director for ID Card Report 29/06/2005
The Home Secretary went on the radio to dismiss a report from the London School of Economics by attacking PI Director Simon Davies.

French report highly critical of new French ID Card project 18/06/2005
A consultation report from the Forum for civil liberties on the Internet criticizes the proposed ID system. The French system is a replica of the proposed UK ID system.

U.S. moves on biometric passport deadline - but not really 16/06/2005
According to both the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, the deadline for biometric passports has been shifted. This leaves some confusion.

G8 Meeting of Justice Ministers Begins - declaring laundry list 15/06/2005
From June 15 to 17 the ministers of justice and home affairs from the eight countries within the G8 will be meeting in Sheffield. Their list of policies that they wish to launder under claims of 'international obligations' is wide and dangerous, as ever.

UK Identity Cards Bill (Take 2) Regulatory Impact Assessment -- 5.8 bn later 01/06/2005
The RIA for the Identity Cards Bill admits that the scheme will cost, at a minimum, 5.84 billion pounds over ten years, and 93 pounds per person. We have archived the RIA.

Industry organizations calls for delay in passport deadline 08/04/2005
The UK's Confederation of British Industry (CBI) calls on the U.S. to extend the deadline for biometric passports, currently set for October 2005, after which British citizens will need to apply for visas.

US State of Georgia passes law banning fingerprints in licenses 08/04/2005
Following concerns regarding identity theft and privacy, the state assembly of Georgia passed a law prohibiting the collection of fingerprints for drivers licenses.

U.S. warns EU on fingerprints and RFID in passports 08/04/2005
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary addresses a letter to the EU warning them on the use of additional and unnecessary technologies in EU passports.

UK Passport to only include a digital photo but costs set to double 29/03/2005
In an eagerly awaited announcement, the UK Home Office declared that new passports may be issued from the end of this year, though possibly later. These new passports will only include a scanned image of the face of the individual, and not extended information such as fingerprints and iris scans.

Academic Report Finds Significant Flaws in UK ID Plan (external) 21/03/2005
A report from the London School of Economics released on 21 March has found that the UK Government's ID Card Bill is 'too complex, technically unsafe, overly prescriptive and lack a foundation of public trust and confidence'. The ID card bill is currently having a 2nd reading at the House of Lords.

Philippines planning many new initiatives in response to terrorism 06/03/2005
Replicating the legislative environment after September 11 2001 in the West, the Philippines are considering a number of new (and old) laws including ID cards.

US Proposes Biometric Passports with RFID 18/02/2005
The State Department outlines the proposed biometric passport, requiring a digital photograph and a contactless chip, due to 'international obligations'.

U.S. lower house blends immigration, national ID, and driver licenses 11/02/2005
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a law laying the foundation for a national ID card, and creating radical changes in immigration policy. This is on the same day that the UK lower house acted similarly.

Outgoing US Homeland Security Secretary Ridge calls for increased fingerprinting for Americans 13/01/2005
In a speech to the Center for Strategic International Studies, Ridge heralded international co-operation on combatting terrorism, and called for the fingerprinting of all American passport holders and the increased use of biometrics worldwide, particularly for airport and border security.