Numerous politicians criticized United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement to make digital IDs “mandatory” for British citizens. Starmer claimed requiring every employee to hold a digital identity document would make it tougher to work in the United Kingdom illegally. “This government will make a new free-of-charge digital ID mandatory for the right to work by the end of this parliament,” Starmer said. “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID, it’s as simple as that,” he continued. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele compared digital IDs to the mark of the beast. Over 1.6 million people have signed a petition opposing Starmer’s digital ID mandate. The petition states “no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system,” which it describes as a “step towards mass surveillance and digital control.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis likened digital IDs to George Orwell’s novel, “1984,” warning of “even more government control.” The government has unveiled plans for a new digital ID card, dubbed the ‘Brit Card,’ to be stored on phones or provided as physical cards. It will serve as proof of identity and residency status in the UK, part of efforts to combat illegal immigration. While Starmer framed it as an opportunity, over half a million people have already signed a petition against the idea. The digital ID will be mandatory for anyone seeking to work in the UK but optional for general use.