Fri Sep 26 06:48:28 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, presented from an Indian perspective as if published in “The Hindu”:

**Digital IDs Mandatory for New Workers in Britain, Sparking Debate**

**London, September 26, 2025:** The United Kingdom has announced a controversial new policy requiring mandatory digital IDs for all British citizens and residents starting new jobs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the scheme today, framing it as a crucial measure to combat illegal immigration and secure the nation’s borders.

According to Starmer, this initiative will make it significantly harder to work illegally in the UK. The digital ID, to be stored on mobile phones, will be required for employer checks during the hiring process. The government envisions expanding its use to encompass access to other public services like childcare, welfare benefits, and tax records.

The announcement comes amidst heightened public concern about immigration, a top priority for British voters. Starmer is under immense pressure to curb illegal crossings of the English Channel by migrants arriving in small boats from France.

However, the plan has ignited fierce opposition, with critics arguing that it will not effectively deter migrants and represents an unacceptable infringement on civil liberties. They point to a failed attempt by Tony Blair’s Labour Party in the 2000s to introduce identity cards, a proposal ultimately scrapped due to public outcry over privacy concerns.

For India, this move raises questions about data privacy and the potential for government overreach. The introduction of digital IDs is a complex issue with implications for individual freedoms and national security, a debate that resonates strongly in India as the nation grapples with similar challenges in its own digital transformation journey.

This decision is bound to be scrutinized closely across the globe, with many watching to see if it truly delivers on its promise of enhanced security or if it becomes another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over digital identity and civil liberties.

Read More