Edgar Whitley is an associate professor (reader) in information systems at the London School of Economics (LSE). His insights are the result of two decades of observing and shaping the policy landscape around digital identity. His efforts, work, and passionate advocacy have truly made a difference. It also contributed to the public’s perception of the UK’s proposed identity card scheme, which was eventually axed. Click above to hear Whitley give a recap on all the changes that have taken place in the last 20 years. He implores us to consider how much control we’ve already ceded to machines.
Whitley’s observations, informed by 20 years of research and practice, range from national ID cards to verifiable credentials. Through such initiatives, his work actively shapes discussions about digital identity and ID inclusion. This influence is most apparent by his tireless advocacy during his presentations at ID4Africa events, or perhaps his report, “Women in Identity” that was the recent emphasis of a Biometric Update webinar.
The UK ID Card Scheme and its Demise
Whitley’s history lesson stretches all the way back to 2004, and then-prime minister Tony Blair’s failed attempt to roll out national ID cards. He focuses on one key piece of language from the Labour government’s manifesto. This manifesto was a product of that experience after their surprise election win in May 2005.
"they made a commitment – and the wording is really important for for a little bit later on – to introduce ID cards including biometric data like fingerprints backed up by a national register and rolling out initially on a voluntary basis as people renew their passports." - Whitley
The UK's 2010 general election led to the incoming coalition government's first bill being to scrap the identity cards scheme, which Edgar Whitley's work contributed to. His writing and analysis played a huge role in changing the narrative around the scheme and swaying public and media opinion. Ultimately, this impact was the cause of its downfall.
Whitley’s photographic work played a clear role in shaping public and media perception towards the – ultimately shelved – proposed UK identity cards scheme. The UK's 2010 general election led to the incoming coalition government's first bill being to scrap the identity cards scheme, which Edgar Whitley's work contributed to.
The Role of Technology and Control
Whitley cites the author Neil Postman, specifically from his book Technopoly. He seizes Postman’s observation to illustrate a larger trend in our society, our relationship with technology.
"in earlier times we used to say it is God’s will. Now we say the computer says no. And so there is that sense that the computer has become the god." - Neil Postman, via Edgar Whitley
This quote illustrates Whitley’s fear of our increasing reliance on technology. Otherwise, he warns, machines will begin to take control of our lives. He worries even more about how much control we’ve already ceded to machines in a sort of latent form.
Whitley goes on to talk about verifiable credentials, age assurance, and zero knowledge proofs. Yet his exploration is not only timely, but profoundly optimistic in terms of the balance between technological advancement and individual autonomy.
Lessons Learned and Future Research
Whitley's work extends beyond historical analysis. He touches on hot topics in today’s digital identity world like verifiable credentials, age assurance, and zero-knowledge proofs.
Edgar Whitley, pictured here last year in Lusaka, Zambia, has commanded the platform at ID4Africa events to advocate for ID inclusion. Of that identity industry, our colleague Edgar Whitley recently wrote a study titled Women in Identity.
Whitley emphasizes that there are many lessons yet to be learned and "still lots for Edgar Whitley to keep researching." His deep and ongoing research indicates that the digital identity space is rapidly changing and calls for vigilance to ensure progress and change are not lost.
