The UK government is introducing digital driving licences to modernize public services. These licences can be accessed through a new government smartphone app and may be used as identification for purchasing alcohol, voting, or taking domestic flights. While physical licences will still be available, the digital option is seen as a step towards bringing government services up to date.
The government aims to make people’s lives easier by utilizing technology, but digital licences will not be mandatory. They offer increased security compared to physical licences and could even be used at self-checkouts in supermarkets to verify age without needing assistance.
Expected to launch later this year, the digital licences may also include features like the ability to hide addresses in certain situations. They will be part of a “wallet” within the Gov.uk app, providing security through features like biometrics and multi-factor authentication.
The government is also considering integrating other services into the app, such as tax payments and benefits claims. While digital identification options will expand, physical IDs are unlikely to be completely replaced. This new technology follows trends in other countries like Australia and the EU’s mandate for digital IDs by 2026.
Vocabulary List:
- Identification /ˌaɪ.dentɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of recognizing or establishing the identity of someone or something.
- Mandatory /ˈmæn.də.tɔːr.i/ (adjective): Required by law or rules; compulsory.
- Authentication /ɔː.θen.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of verifying the identity of a user or device.
- Integrating /ˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪ.tɪŋ/ (verb): Bringing different parts together to form a whole.
- Biometrics /ˌbaɪ.oʊˈmɛtrɪks/ (noun): Technological methods for recognizing individuals based on physical or behavioral traits.
- Supermarkets /ˈsuː.pərˌmɑːr.kɪt/ (noun): Large self-service stores selling food and other products.
How much do you know?
