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Social media claims that British citizens would be charged £85 for identity verification without digital IDs have been debunked as misleading, according to a fact-checking investigation.
The controversy stems from a video shared across social media platforms showing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussing fees during a press conference in Brighton. The clip, which garnered more than 1.6 million views on X (formerly Twitter), was accompanied by claims that Starmer had announced Britons without digital ID would be required to pay £85 ($113) each time they needed to verify their identity.
“Keir Starmer says if you don’t have a mobile phone you will have to pay £85 every time you need to prove who you are if you refuse to have digital ID,” stated one widely-shared post featuring the video footage.
However, a review of the complete 13-minute exchange with journalists reveals that Starmer’s comments were taken out of context. Rather than announcing a new fee, the Prime Minister was recounting an anecdote about a couple he had met who each paid £85 to a private company for identity verification during their home-buying process—totaling £170 for the household.
“Their particular advisers had outsourced the digital checks to a private company, so she and her husband had to pay £85 each to prove who they were,” Starmer explained in the full video. “Digital ID on their phone would have cut all that faff out.”
The example was used to illustrate a potential benefit of the digital ID system announced by the government in September, not to reveal a penalty for those opting out of the program.
When the UK government unveiled plans for the digital ID initiative, Starmer clarified that the system would only be mandatory for individuals needing to prove their right to work in Britain. No mention was made of fees for those who choose not to participate in the voluntary aspects of the program.
The video clip that sparked the controversy appears to have originated from content published by The i Paper on TikTok. However, neither the newspaper’s social media post nor their article about Starmer’s Brighton visit made claims about mandatory fees for those without digital ID. When contacted, The i Paper declined to comment on the matter.
The Prime Minister’s office also declined to provide a statement but shared the extended footage that contextualizes Starmer’s remarks.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation spreading through selectively edited clips on social media platforms. Without the full context, viewers were led to believe that a substantial fee would be imposed on citizens who opted out of a digital identification system.
Digital ID systems have been a subject of debate in many countries, with supporters citing convenience and security benefits while critics raise privacy concerns and questions about accessibility for those less comfortable with technology.
The UK’s planned digital ID initiative joins similar programs being implemented across Europe and elsewhere, as governments seek more efficient ways to verify citizens’ identities for accessing services, completing transactions, and fulfilling regulatory requirements.
As the UK moves forward with its digital identity plans, officials will likely need to address public concerns about costs, accessibility, and privacy protections to ensure successful implementation and broad adoption of the system.
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10 Comments
As the use of digital IDs expands, it’s important to ensure the process is accessible and affordable for all citizens. This fact-check helps provide more context around the £85 fee claim.
You’re right, accessibility and affordability should be key considerations. Appreciate the effort to dig into the details here.
Interesting to see the fact-checking on this digital ID issue. Seems like the £85 fee claims were misleading and taken out of context. I’d be curious to learn more about the actual identity verification requirements and costs in the UK.
Yes, it’s important to get the facts right on these types of policy changes. I appreciate the thorough investigation here to clarify the details.
While the £85 fee claim appears to be misleading, the broader issue of digital ID requirements still raises important questions. I hope the government provides clear information and addresses citizen concerns going forward.
Agreed, the broader topic deserves further scrutiny and open dialogue. Fact-checking is a valuable tool, but the fundamental policies and their impacts need to be thoroughly examined.
The digital ID issue seems complex, with valid concerns about privacy and costs. This fact-check helps clarify the specifics, but I’d like to see more transparency from the government on the full implications.
Absolutely, transparency is crucial on these types of policy changes that impact citizens. Fact-checking is a good start, but more detailed information would be helpful.
This highlights the need for accurate reporting and fact-checking, especially on sensitive topics like digital IDs. It’s easy for claims to get distorted on social media. Glad to see this issue being addressed.
Agreed, fact-checking is crucial to counter misinformation. Looking forward to more clarity on the real identity verification requirements and costs for UK citizens.