 (1).png){kind=spacer}
2 weeks ago
8
These days, most smartphones are kitted out with facial recognition technology, multiple cameras and wireless charging systems.
But back in the 90s we were much more easily impressed, with handsets causing a stir if they had a camera at all.
Now, it seems these so–called 'dumbphones' are having a resurgence – fuelled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plans to introduce mandatory digital ID cards for every UK citizen.
Following the announcement of the so–called 'Brit–Card' – a digital ID card that will include your name, date of birth, and a photo as well as information on your nationality and residency status – several Brits have vowed to revert to retro devices.
Taking to X, one user said: 'Cant make me have digital ID if i have a Nokia 3210.'
Another wrote: 'There's only one way to deal with digital ID. Everybody revert back to the Nokia 6210.'
And one joked: 'Looks like Nokia 402's are back on the menu boys!'
The news come shortly after more than 2.5 million people signed a petition against plans for new digital ID cards, which called it a 'step towards mass surveillance and digital control'.
Digital ID cards could be mandatory for every worker in the UK by 2029, under Labour's latest plan. However, critics have blasted the policy as 'dystopian'
As resistance to the implementation of digital ID grows, many social media users have claimed they will switch to a 'brick phone' to avoid having to download the ID app
On X, one commenter boasted that they had already 'ordered a dumb phone' with no apps or WiFi in preparation for the introduction of digital ID
The idea to switch to a so–called 'dumb phone' comes from the fact that the digital ID is expected to be downloadable from a government app.
The ID will be securely stored on the smartphone itself, just like how contactless payment cards and data on the NHS App are stored today.
Social media users have therefore leapt to the conclusion that they can avoid downloading a digital ID by switching to a phone that can't run the government app.
One commenter wrote: 'This is why I opted for an old school flip phone instead of a 'smart' phone. Can't put apps on it, therefore no tracking apps. No digital I.D.'
'No Palantir digital ID for me. I'd rather get a flip phone,' added another.
While another suggested that it was 'time to buy that dumb phone'.
One social media user on X even boasted that they had already ordered a dumb phone with no apps, WiFi, and only limited internet access in preparation for the introduction of digital ID.
However, for those planning to ditch their smartphones and dodge the digital ID, it was Nokia's legendary 'brick phones' that stood out as the obvious choice.
For those looking to ditch their smartphones, Nokia's legendary brick phones (pictured) stood out as the obvious device of choice
One commenter joked that everybody should 'revert back to the Nokia 6210' in order to avoid being able to download the digital ID
Another commenter joked that the Nokia 402, first released in 1998, would be making a comeback as Brits tried to dodge digital ID
What is the point of digital ID cards?
The card could be used to prove someone is who they say they are, and that they have the right to be in Britain.
Currently, when people start a new job in the UK, they are asked to provide proof of identity in the form of a passport or driver's licence – but these are more easily forged than a digital ID, according to the government.
Labour is interested in the programme to crack down on illegal working. This would theoretically reduce the attraction of Britain to small boat migrants and other illegal immigrants.
It would also make it harder for foreigners coming to Britain legally who fail to leave and carry on working.
Digital ID could also have other uses, such as proving the right to rent a property.
Throughout the 1990s, Nokia released a series of extremely popular mobile phones which, despite being basic by modern standards, were relatively advanced for the time.
In addition to being famously near–indestructible, these were the first phones to feature an internal antenna, texting functions, custom ringtones, and preinstalled games like Snake.
So, as privacy–keen commenters began to look for a smartphone alternative, many joked that these classic designs might make a comeback.
'There's only one way to deal with digital ID. Everybody revert back to the Nokia 6210,' one commenter wrote.
Another social media user added: 'Can't make me have a digital ID if I have a Nokia 3210.'
One commenter joked: 'Looks like Nokia 402s are back on the menu boys!'
While another mused: 'Think I might ditch my smartphones and get an old Nokia flip phone.'
Unfortunately, these plans rest on a misunderstanding of how the new digital ID system is intended to work.
Unfortunately, these claims rest on a misunderstanding about what digital ID is. No one will be required to carry their digital ID with them at all times, so choosing to use a smartphone or a dumb phone will not change anything
The only time UK residents will be required to use a digital ID is while proving their right to work. Residents are already legally required to present ID when starting a new job, and not having a smartphone will not remove the obligation to prove the right to work
Under the plans, UK residents won't be required to carry a phone with a digital ID downloaded with them at all times.
Nor will the police be able to demand to see your digital ID, just as the police cannot currently demand that you produce identification beyond asking for your name and address.
The only time that a digital ID will be legally required is to check that you have the right to work in the UK, something that employers are already legally required to do.
Digital ID will not change when and where UK residents are required to present ID; the only difference is that employers would need to check the digital ID rather than other valid documents.
That means changing to a dumbphone won't change when you need to carry an ID or remove the obligation to present a digital ID when starting a new job.
For people who don't have a smartphone or can't use one, the government says that it is planning to make the new system 'inclusive'.
The government says that it will 'Ensure there are alternative routes to obtain the digital ID for those who cannot use a smartphone, or need extra assistance.'
However, the technical details of this plan are still under consultation, so it is not yet clear what alternatives will be available.
Q&A: Digital ID cards
What would they be used for?
The aim of the digital ID card is to verify a citizen's right to live and work in the UK.
Anyone looking to start a new job or rent a property would be required to supply their digital ID.
This would then be checked automatically against a central database of people allowed to work in the UK.
Why does the Government want to bring them in?
The Prime Minister is hoping the so–called 'Brit–card' will help crack down on illegal migration.
Currently, workers only have to show one of a number of physical ID documents – but there are concerns these could be faked.
Advocates say there is not much in place to stop unscrupulous employers claiming they have made physical checks.
Do other countries have digital ID cards?
Many countries including Estonia, Spain, Portugal, Germany, India, the UAE and France use digital IDs.
France has repeatedly claimed that the lack of ID cards in the UK acts as a pull factor for Channel migrants, who are able to find work in the black economy.
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said it won't 'make a blind bit of difference to illegal migration'.
Have Labour tried this before?
Sir Tony Blair brought in legislation for compulsory identity cards when he was PM but the scheme was scrapped by the Tory–Lib Dem coalition.
He has repeatedly stated it would control immigration.
The last Labour government issued around 15,000 ID cards before it was scrapped in 2011 and the database destroyed.
Both the Tories and Lib Dems said it would be 'intrusive'.
Yvette Cooper last year ruled out digital ID cards, saying it wasn't 'our approach'.
What do critics say?
The proposal is fiercely opposed by civil rights campaigners, who warn it will erode civil liberties and turn the UK into a 'papers please' society.
Polls show a majority of the public do not trust ministers to keep their personal data safe from cyber–criminals.
Gracie Bradley, of campaign group Liberty, said a new scheme was 'likely to be even more intrusive, insecure and discriminatory' than the Labour government's failed 2006 plan to bring in ID cards.
Will I get fined if I refuse to have a national ID card?
The Labour government's previous attempt at introducing a compulsory scheme did not include fines for failing to register.
This was mainly because the roll–out never reached a compulsory stage.
The legislation behind the scheme did, however, introduce a series of penalties for failing to update information held on you, such as home address or any change of name.
The fines were up to £1,000.
There were similar penalties for failing to surrender a card.
It is still unclear how Labour will proceed with the new scheme and how it will propose dealing with refuseniks.
