Yvette Cooper Backs Digital ID Plan for UK Teens

Published: 10 October 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

Yvette Cooper has defended the Government’s plan to introduce digital ID for children as young as 13, amid growing public debate over the controversial expansion of the scheme. The Foreign Secretary argued that many teenagers already use similar forms of identification and described the proposed “standardised” system as the right approach to ensure consistency across public services.

The digital ID initiative, initially aimed at tackling illegal migration, is being expanded by Sir Keir Starmer’s administration to include broader management of public services, such as benefits administration and bill payments. The proposals have sparked a wave of opposition, including a petition signed by over 2.8 million people, calling on the Government to reconsider lowering the age threshold.

In response, the Government stated that the system will officially cover everyone aged 16 and above, but officials are considering whether the scheme should also be available for those aged 13 and over following public consultation. Cooper sought to reassure the public that such a move would reflect existing practices and bring greater standardisation to identification processes.

Speaking on LBC radio on Friday morning, Cooper said, “Everybody has forms of digital ID, don’t they, now? I mean, we all have different ways of having to prove who we are. Lots of 13-year-olds already do [have a form of digital ID] and what the department is going to be consulting on is exactly how that should be taken forward.”

She added that the scheme represents a step forward in creating a secure, consistent process for managing identification in both the public and private sectors. “I do think that this is the right way forward, to have this standardised process now, and it’s something that we had already been setting out for people who come to work from abroad,” Cooper said.

The Government is drawing lessons from international examples, including India’s Aadhaar digital ID system, which uses biometric data to provide identification for millions of citizens. During his trip to India this week, Starmer praised the Aadhaar system as a “massive success” and suggested that Britain could adopt similar approaches for services such as banking, while emphasising that the UK’s system would be managed by the public sector and would not necessarily rely on biometric data.

While proponents argue that digital ID could streamline access to services and reduce fraud, critics have raised concerns about privacy, security, and the appropriateness of introducing such a scheme to young teenagers. Advocacy groups have warned that the lowering of the age threshold could expose children to potential risks and data misuse, and that careful safeguards must be established.

Cooper emphasised that public consultation will play a key role in shaping the final implementation of the scheme. “We are consulting on exactly how this should be taken forward,” she said, “so that we can ensure it is safe, secure, and beneficial to everyone who uses it.” She also noted that the scheme would allow for greater consistency in identification processes across both domestic and foreign workers, potentially reducing bureaucracy and improving efficiency in public services.

The Government’s plan follows a broader push to modernise identification and security measures in the UK, including the use of digital credentials for various administrative processes. Ministers have highlighted the potential for technology to improve service delivery, enhance accessibility, and provide a secure framework for individuals to prove their identity without relying on paper-based systems.

While public debate continues, the consultation period will provide an opportunity for parents, educators, privacy advocates, and the wider public to voice their concerns and offer feedback on the age of eligibility, security measures, and the scope of data collected. The outcome of the consultation will influence whether the scheme is implemented for children aged 13 to 15, in addition to those 16 and older.

Analysts suggest that the adoption of digital ID for teenagers could bring both benefits and challenges. On one hand, it could familiarise young people with secure digital processes, improve access to government services, and potentially protect against identity fraud. On the other hand, concerns about privacy, consent, and data protection remain significant, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Cooper concluded her remarks by stressing the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility. “We need to make sure we are providing young people with the tools to participate safely in an increasingly digital world while protecting their privacy and rights,” she said. “This is about consistency, security, and fairness – and ensuring that everyone can access essential services safely and efficiently.”

The consultation and public debate over the digital ID scheme are expected to continue over the coming months, with further details on age eligibility, data handling, and implementation to be clarified by the Government before any nationwide rollout.