Is it a threat to freedom? The British government believes that ID cards will halt illegal work and make services smoother. But their opponents think the cost to civil liberty is too great.
Britons must carry digital ID, says PM
Civil servitude: The UK government says that digital ID cards will boost border security and simplify government administration with faster, more efficient access to public functions. Not everyone agrees. Comprehension quiz
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What does the word “halt” mean?
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Which definition is the closest to the meaning of “efficient” as used in the article?
A: Expensive
B: Quick and well-organised
C: Complicated
D: Unnecessary
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Add the correct punctuation to this sentence:
prime minister keir starmer announced the plan on friday
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According to the article, which of the following is not a benefit supporters claim the digital ID card scheme will bring?
A: Reducing illegal migration and illegal work
B: Making government services more efficient
C: Halting government spying on citizens
D: Making tasks like booking appointments or applying for benefits quicker
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Why are civil liberties groups like the rights charity Liberty concerned about the introduction of a digital ID card?
A: They believe it is too expensive to set up.
B: They worry the government could use it to spy on people.
C: They think it will only be used to stop people from complaining about roads.
D: They feel it will not stop illegal migration.
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The article says the ID cards are good because they might stop illegal work, but bad because some people worry about spying and leaving people out (like those without the internet).
Do you think the good parts are worth the risks? Explain your informed view in a few sentences, using ideas from the article to back up your answer.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: Stop, 2: B, 3: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the plan on Friday., 4: C, 5: B, 6: Your views!
1: Stop, 2: B, 3: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the plan on Friday., 4: C, 5: B, 6: Your views!
Glossary
Hard right - Refers to the more extreme or radical wing of the right-wing political spectrum.
Civil liberties - Basic rights and freedoms given to citizens of a country through the law. They include freedom of speech, freedom of movement, and freedom of religious worship. Such rights and freedoms are part of a democratic society and are often denied to those living in a dictatorship.
Human Freedom Index - An annual list published by several research institutes which seeks to compare how many freedoms and rights humans enjoy in different countries.