While at one time having ID cards was going to be compulsory it seems that the British government has changed its mind. The general public will still be able to have one of the ID cards, but it will be up to them to decide. It was thought that having these ID cards would help with terrorism, at the airports for security and to help prevent identify theft when citizens use their credit cards.

Some now feel the cost is too prohibitive and that it infringes on the rights of the citizens of the UK. There are many people that have already applied for the ID cards and they should have no trouble in attaining one. Once they are being used for everyday life it can be identified as helping when customers use their credit cards for their purchases. Whether they have a secured credit cards instant decision or an unsecured credit card it may help with fraudulent purchases. If a customer must present their ID card when they buy something with a credit card it would seem that fraud would go down.

The argument for or against goes on as the Tory party states they will not institute the ID cards. The Labour party speaks of the cost to civil liberties and the Exchequer. Right now the voluntary issue of these cards will go on as planned in Manchester and in the North West.

In thinking about how this may help keep credit card fraud down there may be more discussion in the government. The Prime Minister is behind the effort at this time and won’t let the new Home Secretary dismiss the programme. Having that much information on everyone could be a double edged sword, helping in one instance and allowing too much information on the other.