The UK government’s plan to make passkeys the default method of access to all of its digital services would be great in theory. More safe, more efficient, more convenient – sounds great, right? Not only are they saving millions, they’re patting themselves on the back for possibly saving millions. Before we all start cheering, let's ask ourselves: what are we really giving up for this convenience?
Data Centralization: A Single Point of Failure
The core of the issue isn't whether passkeys are technically more secure than SMS. It's about centralization. Think about it: all your digital identity, neatly packaged and reliant on a single system. What happens when that system gets hacked? We're not talking about a minor inconvenience. We're talking about a potential national security disaster.
Now picture a world where a highly advanced cyberattack targets the central database that stores all of these passkeys. Now, access to everything from your NHS records to your tax information is under threat. The government promises that this is extremely unlikely, but history is rife with “unhackable” systems that quickly fell apart. Just think about putting all of your eggs—all of your internet activities—into one basket. It’s guarded by what they claim is the best security in the world. What if that basket falls?
The Digital Divide Widens Further
Let’s not forget that we still live in a world where having internet access, or even a phone, is a privilege. It’s not a fundamental right for all. This new system risks exacerbating that divide. What of all the seniors who will find it difficult to transition to this brave new world of mobility? What of low-income families, who are unlikely to be able to purchase the latest smartphones at such a price? What about rural or low-income communities that lack basic internet infrastructure? Are we just going to cede them to the digital abyss in this new age?
This isn’t simply a question of convenience. It’s a matter of access to vital services. If we don’t, we are condemning ourselves to a two-tiered society. Those who can’t afford to keep up with the technology booms will either be left completely behind or worse, have a second-class experience. Passkeys have a lot of advantages, making them a very cool solution for tech enthusiasts. SHARE on X. We can’t lose sight of the other millions of Americans who aren’t in that boat. Where is the outreach? Where is the support? Or are they just collateral damage on the highway to “progress”?
Convenience vs. Anonymity: What's the Real Cost?
This is where things get truly unsettling. Although passkeys are more secure than passwords, they sacrifice anonymity. Every time your identity is directly linked to one of your devices, it leaves a digital footprint. This digital footprint follows you around the internet.
Think about the implications. Log in once to access a government service and there’s an audit trail established. This information can be tracked, compared, mined, and likely even utilized to predict and control your actions. The government claims it will not, but how can we be sure? As history has shown us time and again, power inevitably corrupts, and unchecked surveillance powers are a recipe for disaster.
We need to ask ourselves: are we willing to trade our privacy for the sake of convenience? And, are we really ok with the future of society being one where everything we do online is automatically tracked and logged forever? This is not merely a security issue—it’s a freedom issue. This is not just a technological upgrade; it's a fundamental shift in the relationship between the citizen and the state.
Remember the story of Icarus? He burned too many bridges with his wax wings. The government is following the glittering golden idol of efficiency and security. They may be soaring too high and missing the movement’s deep and growing third-rail issue. So, let’s not allow them to trap us in a digital maze of which there is no way out.
