Copyright dailystar
The UK Government's proposed digital identity verification system has been branded "a shambles". And a warning has been issued over "systemic glitches" on a current scheme threatening to lock law-abiding citizens out of essential government services. Speaking to the Daily Star, one man's struggle to verify his identity online, despite holding a passport, driving licence, and perfect credit history for over four decades, has raised serious concerns about the rollout of the digital ID ecosystem – something more than 2.9 million people have signed a petition against. The 65-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, initially hit a wall in 2023 while applying for his Veterans ID card. The process required him to use the GOV.UK One Login system and its ID check app. "You'd think it would be a simple process to prove my ID," he said, citing his 65 years in the UK, over 40 years as a passport holder, a photocard driving licence, 34 years at the same address, a pristine credit record, and being on the electoral roll. However, after uploading his passport and taking a selfie, the process failed at the crucial final step: an external check with credit agency Experian. "The system advised me that it had been unable to verify my ID with the external agency," he explained. Repeated attempts to find a resolution were met with a wall of bureaucracy, citing "data protection" as the reason for an inability to disclose why the check failed. The veteran confirmed his own Experian record exactly matches the details on his official documents, even showing the failed checks from One Login. Ultimately, he was forced to use the manual, postal route to successfully obtain his physical Veterans ID card. The problem resurfaced recently with the announcement that Companies House would require all Directors to verify their ID using the same One Login system. As a director of the Right to Manage company for his block of flats, he realised he was "in trouble." He experienced the exact same failure trying to verify his identity for the Companies House requirement. This is where the bureaucratic run-around intensified, as the Government Digital Services (GDS) stated it could do nothing and directed him to contact Companies House, but Companies House stated it had "nothing to do with the verification process," claiming it was solely the responsibility of GDS. "I have raised complaints with both departments and both have told me there is nothing that can be done," he stated. Even escalating the issue to the Department for Science and Technology and his local MP has provided no solution. The veteran now faces the grim reality of being forced to resign as a director simply because he cannot prove his identity to a flawed digital system. The failure also prevented him from obtaining a digital Veterans ID card, despite having the physical one. More worryingly, as more government services transition to requiring proven digital ID, he fears being increasingly denied access. He points out a glaring flaw in the alleged "manual" verification route. The One Login website lists a final option of visiting the Post Office if other digital methods fail. Yet, before a user can access this option, the system still requires an online form completion followed by—you guessed it—the failed Experian check. "If you are proving your ID in person at the Post Office, why is this online check even necessary?" he questioned. "The whole system is a shambles and no one is willing to sort it out. Eventually I will become a none citizen locked out of all Government services," he concluded, adding a warning: "How many other people in the UK will not be able to prove their identity because of system glitches and face similar problems?" The Daily Star has reached out to Downing Street for a comment. For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
