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Got your number(s)

I see that the problem of ID cards has raised its head again ( see issue 314, p11). There are valid objections from the information security experts, but if we stand back and consider the matter unemotionally we can see that the massive database objection is probably too late.

Every UK citizen over 16 has two ID numbers: an NHS number and a National Insurance (NI) number.

Many PC Pro readers will also have a driving licence number, a passport number and, if they’re the right age, an older person’s bus pass number. If you pay council tax, your home will also have a council tax number.

These forms of ID are, with the possible exception of the passport, all keyed to a simple search parameter: the house number and postcode. It’s conceptionally simple to sort the databases with the postcode key and then merge them to give a complete overview of the British population. Are we to believe that the security services haven’t attempted this?

If the UK government wants us to have a unique identifier, it would be easiest to extend the identifier the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs already use: the NI number. Issue the NI number at birth (and to all currently under 16) and there would be a unique identifier for all UK citizens. As the number is already issued to children when they reach 16, this could be improved and sent to all citizens. Andrew Deacon