Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason the proposed digital ID will be issued to children aged 13 to 16 years.

The Government has announced plans for a new national digital ID for all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over, and we will consult on lowering the proposed minimum age to 13.

Extending the national digital credential scheme to include 13–16-year-olds could streamline administrative processes involved in employing young people. Inclusion of this age group could also support children’s online safety by supporting age verification for online services in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.