A computer chip will be the major focus of a redesign effort to all state-issued plastic ID cards in the United Kingdom, according to PublicService.co.uk.
The Identity and Passport Service told the news provider that the program should launch by 2012. The agency has done extensive research into the program as it searches for the best and most cost-effective method of eliminating fraud and identity theft in the country.
The new card will allow users to enter a person identification number whenever they use their plastic ID cards to open bank accounts or make use of other services that require identification.
A government official believes that identification management must evolve constantly as new technologies become available. The plan has not been finalized or received final approval, but the government acknowledges that there must be steps taken to improve ID management and protect against any form of identity theft.
Identity theft has become a major problem throughout the world. More than 11 million adults in the United States were victims of the crime in 2009, while IdentityTheft.co.uk reports that the crime costs the nation more than $2 billion annually.
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