As the government prepares to debate the introduction of digital ID cards, residents across Clacton have been sharing their views — and many say they’re not convinced the move is safe or necessary.
Peter Clapham, 58, a ground worker living in Ruaton Drive, said: "I think it's intrusive. I think it's a totally wrong move and a lot of people will not be putting up with it. They've just got no right to know where you are and what you do, because they can through your phone. So I think it's outrageous- they just want to keep an eye on us. I am totally against it. There's going to be a lot of uproar against it."
Tony Longhurst, 63, an actor, producer and writer living in Thorpe-le-Soken, said: "In some ways I can understand why they'd want it, but I can't understand why they'd want to make it digital when for years we have had physical passports, National Insurance cards, driving licences.
"To a get a digital ID, I just feel in this AI world with so much digital data going missing, people being able to break into airport security, I am concerned about having my full details and everything I do on public record where anybody can get a hold on to it. I don't see the point."
He added: "I don't like the idea of digital ID. The government might get approval, because they got such a majority. If they fail, if a lot of people vote against it, that would be a bloody nose for this government and push them closer to another election."
Helen Smith, 59, a self-employed pet carer, living on Holland Road, said: "I don't think I will be in favour of a digital ID card. It will just complicate things. Lot of people don't even have a smartphone to put it on. Lots of elderly people will find it very difficult."
Abby Philpatt, 29, a salon worker living near Clacton town centre, said: "I have heard a little bit about the digital ID online. I don't think it's necessary if you are from here and already have a passport or a driver's licence. I don't see the point. And I can see why people would be nervous about that, because nowadays everything is online. People's data and identities are easier to get a hold of if it's all online."
Retired Michael French, 79, from Jaywick, said: "I am too old to worry about it. I don't think digital is good, but in one way it's good. You can't pretend to be something you are not.
"My little iPad, I have all the cameras blocked out - even Alexa. I know they are looking at us. It's not paranoia - it's proven. So I wouldn't be in favour of having all our data online."
Shaun Westgarth, 28, a chef living on Skelmersdale Road, Clacton, said: "I don't really see the point behind them. I just think they're going to be another thing that is going to get in the way.
"It's not secure. This is just going to be another pain. With the way the world is going, the digital things are not secure anyway.
"We've got so many people who've had their bank account hacked into, their government accounts hacked into - it's not secure enough."
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