Government launches ID card trial

The government is to hold a trial of its proposals for an identity card scheme.

Under the six-month scheme, to be run by the UK Passport Service, each individual will receive a smart card carrying printed and electronic information, in a bid to test iris and fingerprint recording information.

The trial, involving 10,000 volunteers, is designed to inform the government in preparation for the introduction of a national identity card scheme, as well as for containing biometric information on driving licences and passports.

"Through identity cards, the government is determined to put Britain at the forefront of international developments in the use of biometrics to protect our citizens from identity theft and to prevent abuse of our immigration system," said Home Office minister Beverley Hughes.

"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 upgrading biometric passports from 2005 will help build the base for the identity card scheme.

"By using biometric data, linked to a national database, we can provide a modern, secure means of confirming identity, helping us to crack down on identity fraud, immigration abuse, illegal working and organised crime.

"We will also be in a much better position to ensure that our free public services are only used by those who are actually entitled to them."