Britain News: British PM Keir Starmer admires India's Aadhaar card, now it will be launched in the UK!

UK to Introduce ‘Brit Card’ Inspired by India’s Aadhaar System — PM Keir Starmer Calls It a Model of Digital Success

By Siddharth Purohit | October 18, 2025 | London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has praised India’s Aadhaar system as a “remarkable success” and announced that the United Kingdom will develop its own version of a national digital ID called “Brit Card.” The initiative aims to improve transparency and curb illegal employment, drawing key lessons from India’s world-leading digital identity network.

Aadhaar Inspires Britain’s Digital ID Move

During his recent visit to Mumbai, Starmer spoke highly of India’s digital infrastructure, particularly Aadhaar, which has revolutionized access to public services and financial inclusion. He said the UK’s new digital identity plan would take inspiration from India’s model while ensuring it aligns with British privacy and data protection laws.

“India’s Aadhaar has shown how technology can empower citizens and simplify access to services. Britain will learn from this success as we build our own identity framework,” Starmer said.

However, unlike Aadhaar, the Brit Card will not use biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans. Instead, it will rely on secure digital verification methods designed to protect user privacy and prevent misuse.

What Will Be Different Between Aadhaar and Brit Card?

While Aadhaar is primarily used to access welfare schemes, subsidies, and essential government services, the Brit Card will initially focus on preventing illegal employment and identifying undocumented workers. Employers will be required to verify worker identities through the new digital ID system, ensuring that only authorized residents are employed in the UK workforce.

British authorities have emphasized that the Brit Card will have a unique design, distinct from Aadhaar, and will adhere strictly to data protection regulations. The government has also confirmed that no biometric information will be stored and that all data will be encrypted to safeguard citizens’ privacy.

Aadhaar’s Journey: A Global Benchmark

Launched nearly 15 years ago, Aadhaar is now the world’s largest digital identity program, covering over 1.4 billion Indian citizens. The 12-digit biometric-based ID has streamlined access to banking, welfare schemes, and other essential public services.

Despite its global recognition, Aadhaar has also faced criticism from privacy advocates and civil rights groups. Reports from The Guardian and other media have highlighted concerns over potential data breaches and exclusion of people lacking proper documentation. Nonetheless, the Indian government maintains that Aadhaar has saved billions of rupees by reducing corruption and improving efficiency in welfare distribution.

UK Responds to Privacy Concerns

Following public concerns about government surveillance, a UK government spokesperson clarified that the Brit Card project will prioritize data security and user consent.

“The Brit Card will be inspired by India’s Aadhaar but will be fundamentally different in design. It will not collect biometrics, and maintaining privacy will be our top priority,” the spokesperson said.

The government hopes that this system will restore public confidence in the country’s digital governance and help modernize administrative processes.

Public Opinion and Challenges Ahead

Despite the government’s optimism, recent polls suggest a drop in public support for the digital ID proposal. Privacy advocates fear it could pave the way for government overreach and data tracking. Critics have urged authorities to ensure transparency, independent oversight, and strict limits on data usage.

Still, Starmer believes that once implemented effectively, the Brit Card will make everyday tasks — such as verifying identity for jobs, healthcare, or travel — much simpler for citizens.

“People often find it frustrating to present multiple documents for simple procedures. A secure digital identity can solve that,” Starmer noted during his Mumbai address.

As the UK moves forward with its digital transformation, the Brit Card stands as a potential turning point — a system aiming to blend India’s innovation with Britain’s privacy standards. Whether it will gain the same level of success and public trust as Aadhaar, however, remains to be seen.