Government plan 'resembles ID cards'

By RICHARD WOOD

The Government is dismissing suggestions that online password plans could bring an identity card system in through the back door.

The E-government Unit of the State Services Commission claims that none of four models requires an identity card.

But Models One and Two would involve maintaining a database of individuals seeking online access that operates across all Government agencies carrying such personal information as name, address and date of birth.

The database in Model One would also hold details of the particular Government services a person uses.

Auckland barrister Chris Patterson said it would be an electronic version of an identity card, just without the bit of plastic.

"They are almost going to create a Department of Personal Information."

Minister of State Services Trevor Mallard said the Government had rejected a national ID card.

He said the difference was that there would be no card-readers or biometric technology, and the system would be "opt in".

If people did not want to use the system they could continue to use traditional methods to interact with Government agencies.

Wellington privacy lawyer John Edwards disagreed: "Opt in can become illusory if you need to opt in to conduct your business. Do you really have opt in ultimately?"

E-government Unit head Brendan Boyle said a true national ID card would be one card or number that would identify people both for public and private purposes.

"We are not looking at a number that would replace IRD numbers, or passport numbers or social welfare numbers."

The privacy commissioner was unavailable for comment.