The UK government is paying members of a new 'People’s Panel on Digital ID' to participate in workshops regarding the nation's digital identity system, according to reports from go.theregister.com.
Selected participants will earn £550, plus expenses, for attending two weekends in Birmingham and three evening sessions via Zoom. The sessions aim to gather input on how the UK should design its national digital identity system.
Invitations for the panel have been sent to 3,6000 UK addresses. The Register noted that the wording of the invitation—asking how the system should be designed—effectively assumes the system will be built rather than allowing for a rejection of the concept.
Exclusion of media
While the government seeks a cross-section of the population, the recruitment process includes strict prohibitions. The invitation explicitly bars journalists, employees of media organizations, elected representatives, and political party staff from participating.
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, stated in the letter that applicants do not need prior expertise. "You don't need to know anything about this topic to take part," Jones wrote. "You just need to be willing to listen to the information presented, and share your honest opinions with us and the other people taking part."
The panel will consist of approximately 100 to 120 volunteers. These participants will hear from experts and the minister responsible for implementing the policy before breaking into facilitated groups to produce recommendations.
Workshops are scheduled for the weekends of May 30-31 and June 20-21 in central Birmingham. The Zoom sessions are set to begin on Thursday, May 21.
Applicants will learn whether they have been selected this week. The government noted that the £550 payment may be distributed as a combination of cash and vouchers.
