Anthony Barnett (London, OK): Last week No2ID called for people to sign their pledge not to participate in the 'database state'. They are asking people now to promise the following:
I solemnly and publicly promise that:
• I shall not register for a national identity card
• I shall not supply personal details or fingerprints to a National Identity Register
• I shall not apply for any document or service if joining the National Identity Register is a condition of obtaining it
• I shall not co-operate with any Identity and Passport Service interview concerning my identity
Nick Clegg has promised something similar himself, a promise matched by Chris Huhne. I am strongly against what can described as the development of the database state. Jon has written that he thinks it will be hard to stop in practice; and in particular that a new government (eg the Conservatives) may back down on ID cards but retain the national identity register by various means. I take a different view. I think it is important to distinguish between a biometric passport or ID card that belongs to us as citizens and individuals so that we have control over and know how the information may its used and an ID system in which our identity belongs to and is 'managed' by the state and commercial interests. But does this mean I should I pledge now never to supply my fingerprints? My fingers, prints and all, are hovering over the form but they have not signed yet.
