The government is monitoring the UK’s proposed digital ID scheme but has not yet made any formal representations to Westminster due to a lack of detailed policy.
The issue was raised in Tynwald by MHK Lawrie Hooper, who questioned the implications for Manx residents.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a new digital ID scheme will be rolled out across the UK by the end of the current Parliament, which will be mandatory for Right to Work checks.
Chief Minister Alf Cannan said: “We are at a very early stage of this proposed UK policy. So no assessment of the implications for the island has been made and no representation has been made to the UK as fundamentally, there’s no real detail to the subjective policy announcement that has been made.”
Implications
He told members that the External Relations team is tracking the matter and will assess any forthcoming implications for the Isle of Man.
Mr Hooper sought assurance that the Manx government would defend the interests of Island residents once more detail is available.
He said: “I am expecting the Isle of Man government to make sure that they represent the best interests of Manx citizens to the British government as they are developing their proposals.”
The Chief Minister replied: “Absolutely, Mr. President, that once we have the detail, then we’ll be able to understand what the implications are for Island residents.”
He said that is when the government will make its representations to the UK government.
Julie Edge asked if the government had considered links to ‘Agenda 2030’ and the EU’s digital ID plans.
Mr Cannan said digital ID is not on his government’s agenda and that he was not aware of any formal representations regarding the EU’s proposals.
A form of digital ID is already in use on the island, mostly used for those lucky enough to look under 25 when purchasing alcohol on licensed premises or from off-licences.