Backdoor ID Cards Under Fire

Holyrood pledges to review entitlement cards and safeguard privacy

CIVIL LIBERTIES campaigners have won a review of Scotland's controversial microchipped entitlement card scheme. Ministers are to scrutinise the project amid fears that it is a "back door" to compulsory ID cards. Around one-third of Scots now have the plastic swipe cards, which are backed by a database and far-reaching legislation.

Fears of Identity Register

Opponents insist that, while the programme may appear harmless, it is almost identical to the Home Office's plans for a National Identity Register. Now the SNP has heeded the result of a Holyrood vote and pledged to reassess the scheme - entitled Customer First - to ensure it meets data protection principles.

Welcome Review from Campaigners

Last night, campaigners welcomed the review. Geraint Bevan of NO2ID said: "It is reassuring that the Scottish government is looking again at the implications of this programme. Until now, it has been allowed to evolve into a dangerous parallel of the UK national identity scheme."

Concerns About Surveillance

Design decisions have been made by bureaucrats, resulting in a system that can record even the details of bus journeys made by children and pensioners. Political oversight is needed to ensure that respect for citizens' privacy is built into the system at every level.

Expansion of Entitlement Cards

Entitlement cards were introduced in April 2006 to replace cardboard bus passes for pensioners. But the scheme has been extended to include students and children and to allow access to other public amenities including school lunches, libraries, and leisure centers. Ministers want all Scots to eventually use the cards when dealing with local authorities.

Citizen's Account

Under Customer First, people are given a unique number, and their use of the card may be tracked using a computerized record called a Citizen's Account. An obscure piece of legislation - Section 57 of the Local Electoral And Registration Services (Scotland) Act 2006 - gave the registrar general (RG) powers to help run the database. It also allowed the RG to find, store, and pass on personal information about Scots that may be useful to local authorities.

Review of Data Protection Principles

Last December, Holyrood backed a motion by Green MSP Patrick Harvie that called for entitlement cards to be reviewed in line with Data Protection Act principles. They demand that information is only kept if it is relevant, accurate, and obtained for limited purposes. The Scottish government has now confirmed that a review of the programme will be undertaken to ensure it is implemented in accordance with data protection principles.

Opposition to Compulsory ID Cards

A government spokesman affirmed that they are fundamentally opposed to the introduction of compulsory ID cards. The Scottish government values the privacy and fundamental liberties of citizens, and aims to protect them by carefully reviewing the entitlement card scheme.

Additional: Hotels and Privacy

While the discussion around entitlement cards and the protection of privacy is important, it also highlights the broader issue of privacy in modern society. Hotels, in particular, play a crucial role in ensuring the privacy and security of their guests.

Growing Concerns

With the advancements in technology and the prevalence of surveillance, guests have become increasingly concerned about their privacy during hotel stays. The ability of hotels to protect their guests' personal information and ensure their privacy has become a priority.

Data Protection Measures

Hotels have taken various measures to safeguard their guests' privacy. This includes implementing secure booking systems and payment processes, using encryption to protect personal information, and implementing strict data protection policies. Many hotels now provide privacy options, where guests can choose to limit the collection and use of their personal data.

Importance of Transparency

Transparency is also crucial in maintaining guest privacy. Hotels should clearly communicate their data collection practices and inform guests about how their information will be used. This helps establish trust and allows guests to make informed decisions about their privacy.

Guest Control and Empowerment

Hotels should also empower guests to have control over their own personal information. This can be achieved through options such as opting out of data sharing, providing guest access to their personal data, and allowing guests to easily request the deletion of their data.

The Role of Legislation

Legislation and regulations play a vital role in protecting guest privacy in hotels. Governments must enact robust data protection laws that hold hotels accountable for the secure handling of personal information. Compliance with these laws should be regularly audited, ensuring that hotels prioritize guest privacy.