Over 60,000 Signatures on Petition Urging the Abolition of Digital ID
Recent history has demonstrated that the collection of personal data can result in targeted misuse by both governmental and non-governmental entities.
An online petition urging the repeal of the Australian federal government’s Digital ID legislation has garnered over 60,000 signatures as concerns mount over its potential infringement on civil liberties and establishment of a surveillance system.
The legislation, proposed by the center-left Labor government, aimed to create a centralized platform for Australians to verify their digital identities through the aggregation of sensitive personal information into a single digital system.
While proponents argue that the digital ID initiative is a significant economic reform that reduces the online storage of personal data for identity verification, critics warn of potential governmental and corporate overreach.
A petition initiated by the One Nation party highlighted the legislation’s lack of clear limits on its granted powers.
By early April 21, more than 61,484 individuals had signed the petition.
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Minister Katy Gallagher justified the bill as a response to cyber attacks suffered by major corporations like Optus and Medibank.
However, One Nation argued that consolidating Australians’ personal information in a digital ID system could heighten cybersecurity risks, data breaches, and unauthorized surveillance.
The government insisted that digital ID enrollment would be voluntary, yet it later emerged that the legislation might impose digital ID requirements for essential services.
This move raised concerns about potential civil liberties violations, digital literacy discrimination, and the creation of a surveillance network.
One Nation criticized the bill’s swift introduction and limited public input, deeming it worrisome for democracy.
Despite efforts to extend the committee inquiry period, the Senate, dominated by the Labor and Greens parties, blocked the proposal.
Senator Malcolm Roberts warned that the bill could effectively tether every Australian citizen to a digital identity for life.
Meanwhile, the National Australia Bank reported that a significant portion of Australians displayed willingness to register for the digital ID program.
The bank’s survey revealed varying degrees of readiness among respondents to join the initiative.
Monica O’Shea contributed to this report.
