It's not the card that is the biggest problem tho dazza - it's the national ID database that is behind it and which the card both represents and is the physical token of. So it doesn't matter what's stored on the card - the govt is setting up a national identity and surveillance system the likes of which the world has never seen.
And it's all very well saying "Oh, they're not doing such and such yet" or "They're only looking at that" - sure as eggs is eggs, once this thing is in place, the govt will find all kinds of nice new uses for it, and once the principal has been conceded, it'll be "Well, we've already got the cards, so it makes sense to add xyz". Look at the DNA database - started out as just taking DNA off criminals and only in relation to particular crimes but we'll destroy the samples afterwards, then they started retaining the samples, then they started taking samples from suspects and retaining those, then they started retaining samples from volunteers. Now they're calling for a permanent nationwide DNA database, whether you're a crim or not. And no I don't want to debate the rights and wrongs of the DNA database (as you say it's a separate issue) but the point is that with any govt power grab like this once you've conceded the principal you're screwed, they'll go on taking miles till they're blue in the face.
Ask yourself this: if you're happy to go on the "Nothing to hide, nothing to fear" principal, are you equally happy for some civil servant to listen to all your phone calls, read all your post, read all your emails? After all, it'll help combat terrorism (maybe) or benefit fraud (possibly) or illegal immigration (in some unspecified way) and as a decent citizen you've got nothing to worry about have you?
Hate to break it to you Paul but the system is already in place and has been for about 3 years, possibly even longer.
The ID card database is an extension of the existing passport database only they are going to open up access to accredited institutions like the police and qualified bank staff etc.
No one can amend your records unless you re-apply for a new card. All data is stored on a biometric chip on the card not on a database and once issued it cannot be altered without destroying the chip.
For example if your lifted by the boys in blue they will read that chip and then bring up your details and cross reference it with whatever criminal database system they use. They cannot amend your information on your card it's as simple as that.
Of course they can always screw up their own database but that's no different to current circumstances anyway.
I can guarantee you that you won't see any DNA or supplementary information on an ID card in the next 25 years and even then it's a long shot.
You're just a frustrated Hippy at heart really, go on admit it?
