On Saturday I was out campaigning with NO2ID. The German market in Leeds is always busy with people, so we picked our spot and set up a public information stall. We’d just finished putting the finishing touch on the festival decorations to accompany our stock of leaflets when I realised I’d left my petition sheets at home.
Still this shouldn’t be a problem right? I’m in a city centre and there are plenty of places to print out a document from an email. I set off in haste to the library around the corner knowing Libraries these days have banks of computers available for use. I go up to the desk and I’m asked if I have a Library card, I don’t but that’s fine you can log on as a guest. Great my problems are sorted....... but wait I’m then being asked to produce ID.
Suddenly I’m in the absurd position of being asked to produce ID to print out some NO2ID petition sheets. I’m probably the wrong person to ask for ID, when challenged to show I’m legally old enough to buy booze (or teaspoons, crackers and other dangerous items) I respond by challenging the seller to demonstrate they are old enough to sell it to me.
In this instance I reply by asking what they mean by ID, pointing out there is no legal definition as an Identity Document (well not until the Identity and Documents Bill gains royal assent). The Librarian says “well a driver’s licence or some such document”, I reply “I don’t have it on me and anyway what if I didn’t drive? It’s a public service open to everyone, so why do I need to prove who I am?” A slightly taken aback Librarian now suggests “well a bank card would do”, then explains it’s 'their responsibility' to check ID in case I misuse the system.
Not having any bank cards on me just some cash in my pocket I suddenly found myself feeling like a social pariah, unable to interact with anything. Thinking quickly I suggested a solution “if you suspect I am about to misuse the computer you can supervise my use”. You might think this would be satisfactory, but in our ID obsessed society I didn’t get to use a computer.
The Library doesn’t keep a log of what ID is shown, but somehow it’s assumed the ritual act of requesting this undefined ‘ID’ is a sufficient measure to prevent misuse of the computer. Terrorist, Criminals, Hackers and Paedophiles across the country must be cursing they lack bank cards (fake or otherwise) to access the nations Library computers.
The irony of being asked for ID to print of a NO2ID petition amuses me, but the serious point here is that although ID cards have gone, the bureaucratic obsession with producing ID and handing over personal details goes on.
Guest post by James Baker
Yes this really bugs me and you have beautifully demonstrated that although these folks all trot out with the 'have you got ID' they don't actually know what it is all about or what to do when challenged. There is no legal requirement (as fa as I am aware) for an adult to carry ID in this country. We don't need to have a passport unless we want to travel abroad, we don't have to drive and I certainly would not hand over my bank card to a stranger who might copy the details for some other purpose. Even trying to get your own money out of the bank is becoming increasingly difficult these days. And don't get me started on confidentiality in banks, pharmacists, doctor's surgeries etc - where everyone appears to be treated as if they are hard of hearing and confidential information is shouted to all and sundry.
Posted by: ohno | 04/01/2011 at 02:43 PM
How does producing "ID" prevent you "misusing" their system ?
Posted by: Purlieu | 06/01/2011 at 05:49 AM
only a authorized person will be able to use it...
Posted by: cashforgold uk | 31/03/2011 at 07:48 AM
There’s always a lot of different challenges everyday. You’ll just have to figure your way out. thanks for sharing.
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