Public Announcement / Statement on Digital ID
Date: 5 October 2025
The EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) has submitted evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee regarding the Government’s proposed mandatory digital ID system, “BritCard,” highlighting serious public health and civil liberties concerns.
The Committee has confirmed receipt of our submission and stated it will be considered once the House of Commons returns after the conference recess. It also clarified that this is a Parliamentary inquiry, not a Government consultation. Separately, the Government has announced it will conduct its own consultation on digital ID proposals.
EM Radiation Research Trust submission published on 16th October 2025: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/145903/pdf/
Total results 228 Written evidence – Harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9176/harnessing-the-potential-of-new-digital-forms-of-identification/publications/written-evidence/
For members of the public wishing to raise concerns directly with the Government, contact details for the relevant departments are available on the official GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/contact
Additionally, the Government has announced plans to conduct a public consultation on digital identity proposals later this year. For more information on the digital ID scheme and the upcoming consultation, you can refer to the following official resources:
- ♦ Digital ID Scheme Explainer: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-id-scheme-explainer/digital-id-scheme-explainer
- ♦ New Digital ID Scheme to be Rolled Out Across UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-digital-id-scheme-to-be-rolled-out-across-uk
These resources provide detailed information about the digital ID scheme and the forthcoming consultation process.
RRT continues to urge policymakers to prioritise safety, privacy, and public health before implementing any system that could increase EMF exposure or centralise sensitive personal data.
Key Concerns Raised by RRT:
♦ Public Health Risks:
♦ Users of pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs) could be exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that interfere with device function.
♦ Individuals with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) are also at risk.
♦ Carcinogenic Potential:
♦ Radiofrequency (RF) radiation remains a Group 2B possible human carcinogen, with some scientists calling for reclassification to Group 1 known human carcinogen.
♦ Civil Liberties & Data Protection:
♦ A mandatory digital ID would centralise sensitive personal data, raising serious UK GDPR and privacy concerns.
♦ It could disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens with no specific need for additional identification.
Details for our letters sent to the Government
- ♦ 25th September 2025 – RRT letter sent to Home Affairs Select Committee
RRT Response to Digital ID Headlines - ♦ 14th August 2025 – RRT Evidence to Parli: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/145903/pdf/
Eileen O’Connor
Director, EM Radiation Research Trust