We did say we wouldn't have any more data losses, but we had our fingers crossed at the time. Now, look, see? No fingers crossed. We won't let any more happen, especially from the ID cards database, and this time we really mean it cross our hearts and hope to move jobs very soon.

I see today that Keith Vaz MP, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, has written to the Home Secretary to ask what measures they are going to take to stop further losses after the prisoner data going walkies. I'm assuming that's in addition to the myriad measures that have already been taken to make sure that data isn't lost since the myriad other lost bits of data.

This follows on from the recommendations from Mr Vaz's committee that the Home Office provide information on quite how pear-shaped things will go in the unlikely event that the contents of the National Identity Register (NIR) decide to make a bid for freedom. Needless to say, the NIR will make use of best practice in security, so will be safe. Why then would one bother with such a pointless exercise as to wonder what may happen if security gets breached?

Anyway, even if there are risks, they must be balanced against the clear benefits. The UK Border Agency has announced that the first ID cards will be issued to Johnny Foreigner as of 25th of November 2008, and they will according to this website provide some stunning benefits:

The Government's national identity scheme gives people for the first time the ability to prove who they are in a secure and convenient way, protecting themselves and their families against identity fraud, crime, illegal immigration, illegal working and terrorism.

Well, I'm sorry but I don't think that's terribly fair. I pay my taxes, and I'm a British Citizen, so why is it that these foreigners are getting their families protected from identity fraud, crime, illegal immigration, illegal working and terrorism before I am? AND it's all being done in a secure and convenient way. I mean, my personal bank can't even let me check the balance in a secure and convenient way, so I want a piece of this stuff!

Sorry, I'm overdoing it again. I've been watching too many Top Gear reruns on Dave and I'm channelling Jeremy Clarkson.

I note that employers will 'check the card visually', which means glance at it and take a photocopy but otherwise ignore it unless the name is 'Mickey Mouse' or it appears to be drawn in crayon. If there is a 'concern over the validity of the card' they can phone the employers verification service to make sure it is not dodgy. Unlike the 999 service in London, I'm sure they won't have to wait on hold for 20 minutes.

In total, this means no actual change in procedures for work permits etc. except it will mean using an ID card rather than a 'vignette' or other related document that is 'not as secure' as the ID card. I'm assuming that this increased security means a reasonable fake will cost £25 rather than the usual £15. However, a card that matches an entry in the register, along with a set of wearable finger prints, will be much more difficult to sort out, and cost a lot more - maybe £25k or so. Easiest way to get an ID card and the user's fingerprints would be to steal an ID card and something they have touched... like their ID card. Of course, once the NIR gets out into the open the price will come down substantially.

Except it won't get out. Honest.