Letter: Laying down the law on data protection
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Michael Clarke
Sir: It is all very well for people with passports, driving licences, credit cards, workplace identity cards or student union cards to oppose the introduction of national identity cards.
However, I would suggest that if such people threw away these proofs of identity and tried to live without them they would soon sing a different tune.
Two members of my own family recently attempted to open high-interest building society accounts in which to invest modest legacies but were unable to do so because they possess none of these proofs of identity. I myself have encountered difficulties in proving my identity because I do not possess a driving licence, even when I have produced my passport. Proof of identity is increasingly necessary in our society.
The opponents of national identity cards who have acceptable means to prove their own identities should spare a thought for those who do not. It is they, by and large the more vulnerable members of society, who are increasingly being denied their civil liberties as they are unable to prove that they are who they are.
Yours faithfully,
MICHAEL CLARKE
London, SW15
26 May
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments