Scotland's digital ID raises significant security and privacy concerns

Scotland is introducing a "digital ID" system, ScotAccount, to verify identities for public services. This system collects personal data, including photos and other details. The program has been piloted and is now expanding to other services. The ScotAccount, accessible online, uses user-created accounts to store identity information. It leverages third-party verification from companies like Experian. This data is then accessible to participating public bodies. Campaigners raise concerns about potential risks such as hacking, identity theft, and the misuse of collected data. They also worry about the system becoming a de facto mandatory ID, limiting access for those reliant on physical documents.