National ID cards

[Craig]

It has often been talked about by John Howard to bring in National ID cards to help combat terrorism, but opposition have said it is a breach of privacey.

So I want your views? I have nothing to hide so it wouldn't worry me.

[Simon]

yeh i think its a great idea, imo the people who disagree with it either have something to hide or are the usual pot smoking uni students who have to complain for the sake of it...

[Linda]

If your not dodgy, who cares?

[Langeveldt]

Yeah theres far more pressing issues, such as how we provoke terrorism in the first place when we go in with tanks and firepower, who cares about having to carry a card in their wallet?

[Slow Love™]

I have plenty to hide, so no, I'm not in favor.

The main objection I would have though, is that we don't really need it. If it's voluntary and carries limited information, that's one thing - it could come in handy for those without drivers licenses, or passports, etc. But most people will have a problem with it should it be compulsory.

The major issue with this is that it has a capacity to be abused - ie, people can be asked for it at any time, and be penalised (or worse, incarcerated) if they don't have it on them at all times. There will also always be concerns about what information is carried on it, shared, and where - as well as the case that it would likely create more bureaucracy than we already have.

One thing we can say though is that it's likely to do bugger all to prevent terrorism. So it's inevitable that the motives of any government that introduces such a thing will and should be questioned.

What are the main arguments for those in favor?

[Deja moo]

How would it work ?

[Simon]

How would it work ?

basically everyone has a card with their photo, contact info and finger print on profile, its not just to prevent terrorisim but its to help with all crimes...

[Linda]

basically everyone has a card with their photo, contact info and finger print on profile, its not just to prevent terrorisim but its to help with all crimes...

To be perfectly honest, I havent a clue as to how it would do either of those two things. But it certainly cant hurt.

[andyc]

I don't see how it could invade your privacy. It sounds to me like it would just be like another driver's licence, which hardly invades your privacy.

But, as Slow Love said, I have no idea how the hell it is going to stop terrorism. As we all know, the terrorists in 9/11 used real passports and identification. I just fail to see what it would do except waste some money.

[Simon]

well for a starters the government would have everyones finger prints and that on record, im sure theres ways it will help...

[Deja moo]

well for a starters the government would have everyones finger prints and that on record, im sure theres ways it will help...

I think her point was that terrorists who are legal citizens of your country wont care a hoot if their prints are on record if suicide bombing is their game.

[Shounak]

yeh i think its a great idea, imo the people who disagree with it either have something to hide or are the usual pot smoking uni students who have to complain for the sake of it...

I'm all for it.. Just as long as they don't incarcerate you if you don't have it on you..

A small fine would be good perhaps.. But definitely not incarceration..

A good idea might be to have access to a centralised database. Where if asked, someone either places their finger on, or their face is verified.. With technology these days, it can happen..

[FaaipDeOiad]

I oppose it. Unnecessary, and it is indeed a breach of privacy. I have the right to keep information to myself if I want to, and given that I'm a law abiding citizen I shouldn't be forced to give that up because of the actions of others.

Call me a pot smoking uni student if you must, but I'd rather not be forced to show my papers every time the local SS Officer comes through town, because I live in a free democracy and shouldn't have to. It's already hard enough to live without photo identification.

[FaaipDeOiad]

I don't see how it could invade your privacy. It sounds to me like it would just be like another driver's licence, which hardly invades your privacy.

But, as Slow Love said, I have no idea how the hell it is going to stop terrorism. As we all know, the terrorists in 9/11 used real passports and identification. I just fail to see what it would do except waste some money.

Drivers licence is different because it's something you need only if you wish to show you are qualified to drive. You don't HAVE to have a drivers licence, and unless you are driving you can't be forced to show it. People shouldn't be required to carry any piece of identification if they don't want to, simple as that.

[Mr Casson]

I am required to carry an identity card wherever I go here because I'm a foreigner. As far as I know the proposed national identity cards would work the same way. I have to say that I've never been asked to present it even though when I'm seen around town the authorities know I'm supposed to have it on me.

Personally I wouldn't feel offended if I was asked to show it. It's never going to be an every day, every week or even every month occurrence, even for people who look particularly suspicious like I do here. If you have nothing to answer for it'll be over in five seconds and you can just get on with your day.

As for whether it's more trouble than it's worth, well I wouldn't know. I'm not a smart man, but I know enough about human nature to know that we don't act for no reason. I've no doubt the Government has an argument worth listening to or else they wouldn't want it, and as I said it's not a big deal for me if I have to carry a little card around. It makes less sense and is more of a hassle when I have to enrol to vote even if I have don't want to and intend to donkey it every time there's an election. But even then I don't feel like my quality of life is being limited, so less the dirging.