Keir Starmer Explores India’s Digital ID System on Mumbai Visit
During his two-day trip to Mumbai, Keir Starmer explored India’s extensive digital ID system, regarded as a model for potential implementation in the UK. Starmer described the system, hailed as a “massive success,” during discussions with key experts and officials, emphasizing its benefits in streamlining processes.
Key Discussions on Digital ID System
Starmer met with Nandan Nilekani, the non-executive chair of Infosys, to examine India’s digital ID, known as Aadhaar. This program has been operational for approximately 15 years and serves around 1.4 billion citizens. It enables various government transactions, handling about 80 million transactions daily.
Benefits of Aadhaar
- Reduces bureaucracy in the Indian benefits system.
- Estimates suggest it saves the Indian economy roughly £11 billion annually in administration and corruption costs.
- Assigns a unique 12-digit number to citizens, easing access to banking and social benefits.
Despite its advantages, Aadhaar has faced criticism for lacking protections for personal data. Concerns have arisen about its impact on vulnerable populations, including reports of individuals denied access to healthcare due to ID requirements. Activists express concerns over the system’s potential to disenfranchise certain groups, including Muslim voters.
UK’s Digital ID Vision
Seeking to address these issues, Starmer indicated that the UK’s approach to a digital ID would differ significantly. Emphasizing inclusivity, he noted that the UK system would avoid using biometric data. The proposed identification could be voluntary, facilitating school applications, mortgages, and driving licenses.
Importance of Digital ID in the UK
Starmer recognizes the potential of a digital ID system in tackling issues such as illegal employment. He advocates for mandatory ID in job sectors but hopes to create a voluntary system for the broader public. This dual approach aims to balance security and convenience.
Future Plans and Economic Impact
Starmer’s schedule includes a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a keynote address at a fintech conference. He is accompanied by over 120 British business leaders seeking to forge new deals.
Economic Opportunities
- Plans for three new Bollywood films produced in the UK, projected to create over 3,000 jobs.
- Overall, expected Indian investments could generate around 7,000 jobs in the UK.
While exploring the digital ID’s possibilities, concerns remain about the public’s reception. Recent polls indicate significant declines in support for digital IDs, emphasizing the need for effective public dialogue to rebuild trust.
