The case against ID cards

In Italy you have to carry ID and the police will scan it to check it - the terrorists who shot people in Paris in 2015 were arrested in Italy as the police checked their ID and they showed up as fake.

Would not bother me if we had ID cards. Had one during the war and for some time afterwards. When we had French students in the 1960s they wouldn’t go out the door without one and I believe many countries have them still.

I don’t know if this still exists in Belgium but I remember everyone had an ID card which they legally had to be with them when going out, whether this occurred because of WW2 when they were occupied by Germany I am unsure. It didn’t cause anyone a problem, I think it would be a good thing.

I still have my ID card from the war and shortly after! 😳😂

I carried one when my husband was posted to Germany in the 80s. I really don’t have an issue with them. Prehaps it’s the people who have something to hide are the ones who don’t want them .

Administration for ID cards could be complicated and some people could be excluded in error - or on purpose by a government wanting to keep some voters away from the ballot box. Voter fraud matters but I don't know of evidence that it is widespread.

Well if he's got nothing to hide a free ID card would be perfect

I suppose people like my brother would go for an ID card. He has never had a passport, no longer has a driving licence and is not on the internet. Not sure what he's supposed to do if asked for ID. Maybe his Freedom pass?

So have you got a helpful suggestion for those in need Volver?

Oh just stop it.

The fact that people say you must have something to hide if you don't want an ID card is partially why I don't want an ID card.

By not submitting to something you think is perfectly fine, but that I disagree with, the only reason must be that I'm somehow a suspicious character, a bad'un. As I've said before on this thread, in this country we are innocent until proven guilty. It would be worth trying to really understand what that means.

betts

I suspect what rankles 'no card' people is not the card itself or even the information that is on it but the fact that someone has the power to make you have it. "Don't tell ME what to do" even if it is something that is good for me.

Probably.
I asked for suggestions that would help those who don’t have ID rather than just saying I don’t want one (because I’m all right Jack)
I suggested an optional one for those who need it but that was met with a curt,
“Get one if you want.”
No further help for those needing ID was forthcoming.

Please don't forget Volver to make a note of my comment "being something to hide etc" will you.

If you don't like the answer
DONT ask the question.
But then you do love to provoke don't you

In which case then, what is the purpose of an actual birth being registered and being given a certifcate.

I only see a problem if you've something to hide quite frankly.

betts

I suspect what rankles 'no card' people is not the card itself or even the information that is on it but the fact that someone has the power to make you have it. "Don't tell ME what to do" even if it is something that is good for me.

My thoughts exactly. Why cut your own nose off to spite your face....just because you can.

Dorset

I believe every single person should have an I.D card, why not. We live in a very fast changing place and I always believe if you have nothing to hide, why not. However everybody is entitled to their opinion. I respect that.

I'm going to start keeping count of the "if you have nothing to hide" comments. 😒

betts

I suspect what rankles 'no card' people is not the card itself or even the information that is on it but the fact that someone has the power to make you have it. "Don't tell ME what to do" even if it is something that is good for me.

The start of this reflects quite well what I think.

I don't object to a card with my name on it, and I don't object to a card that accesses all sorts of information about me.

But I do object to being told by someone else that they know what's good for me.

I'd be quite happy to have an ID card too

I believe every single person should have an I.D card, why not. We live in a very fast changing place and I always believe if you have nothing to hide, why not. However everybody is entitled to their opinion. I respect that.

I suspect what rankles 'no card' people is not the card itself or even the information that is on it but the fact that someone has the power to make you have it. "Don't tell ME what to do" even if it is something that is good for me.

I wish there was some form of ID available to those of us who don’t drive or have passports.

I live in Belgium. We have had i.d.cards since the times of the dinosaur. We find them practical and usefull.

GrannyBe

We have ID cards here in Belgium and I have never understood why England is so against them. There seems to be a paranoia about having your personal info tracked. Really?
We have to carry ours at all times which is easy as they are the same size as a bank card.
If you are in a serious accident, the Medics just have to put your card into a reader and they know your blood type, allergies etc. Your next of kin can be contacted immediately etc etc. Apart from the UK, we can travel to all other countries in Europe on our identity cards. I wouldn’t be without!

England?

Mollygo

undines

ID cards - BAD. Knowledge os power and power can fall into the wrong hands. End of - for me.

I can see that, but for those on here who are vehemently against it or those like me who currently have no need of one, what do you suggest for all those who can’t afford passports or driving licences, are too young for bus passes and don’t have household bills?
Would an optional one be a solution or would that open the doorway to fraud?
Or do we just say tough, I’m all right Jack?

Get one if you want.

Just don't expect me to get one .

I would love to have an ID card. I don't drive therefore I don't have a Driving Licence and I'm not comfortable with carrying my Passport when I have to prove my ID somewhere as I wouldn't want to lose it. I do have my Senior Railcard on my phone and I've used that in the past but having a National ID card would be more helpful.

Not really sure about this issue. I’m Sweden where my daughter lives - they have ID cards /
Info all on in one place / tax /insurance etc - it’s convenient and the police don’t take advantage of this. Not sure why it’s an issue - I more concerned our government is taking away our human rights / protest rights etc - now that is a slippery slope