The use of the new virtual official document will require users to go through a full digitised verification process, rather than simply holding up their phone for a brief inspection

Citizens should not simply be able to “flash their digital ID on a phone screen” to verify their credentials, according to government’s dedicated minister.

The UK’s new digital identity, which is due to be rolled out by 2029, “will be built to the highest security standards, [and will be] following National Cyber Security Centre guidance”, according to Josh Simons, the government minister overseeing the tech programme.

Simons – who was answering a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Blake Stephenson, enquiring about steps being taken to “prevent the creation of fake digital IDs” – suggested that verification will always require electronic scans, rather than simply displaying the document on a screen and presenting it to a human working for a business or public service, as one might with a passport or driving licence.

“To help guard against fake digital IDs, we propose that any checking of such IDs will be done via a robust digital process,” the minister said. “For example, we do not think people should be able to flash their digital ID on their phone screen. This will help ensure a digital ID has not been faked, tampered with or revoked.”

Simons was confirmed as the dedicated minister for the ID programme at the start of this year. Formerly based solely in the Cabinet Office – which took over responsibility for overall delivery of digital identity in October – the Makerfield MP now splits his time between the central department and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which is building the technology system.

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According to his updated GOV.UK profile, he will now hold a brief with a staunch focus on digital identity.

“[He] is responsible for supporting and providing assurance to the chief secretary to the prime minister and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the Cabinet Office and the secretary of state for DSIT on the design and cross-government delivery of the digital ID programme,” the profile adds. “He will work closely with the minister for digital government and data [Ian Murray], who retains ownership of related areas including data policy and other government digital products.”

The confirmation of his new cross-department role came in the same week that government reversed plans for the new digital ID to be mandatory for employment checks.

While the intentions is still to digitise the checking process, employees will still be able to complete a Right to Work procedure using existing official documents, such as a passport or visa.

The new digital ID will instead be available on a voluntary basis – and will form part of a growing range of electronic documents offered by the state. This includes the recently launched Digital Veteran Card, as well as a planned virtual driving licence and digital versions of the likes of National Insurance cards, marriage and birth certificates, Disclosure and Barring Service verification, lasting power of attorney confirmation, and proof of receipt of state benefits such as Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment.