
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is once again at the forefront of a campaign to expand government control, this time through digital identification. The longtime Iraq War advocate, who has been a proponent of centralized authority, is calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to implement digital IDs to monitor citizens, regulate speech, and manage access to services. Blair claims U.K. citizens will need to be “persuaded” to accept a digital ID regime on the internet, a statement raising concerns about coercion.
Tony Blair's latest excuse to bring in the digital ID is to "get tough on populism".
Populism is a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. Why does Tony Blair, an elite, want to get tough… pic.twitter.com/PKWyH92wjX
— Peter O'Connor (Pete) 🚜🌸🐭💜 (@birchpolypore) February 1, 2025
Blair argues that digital IDs will help fight crime, reduce benefit fraud, and manage immigration. However, his comments about using these systems to “flush out” certain political voices have sparked fears that this initiative is a tool to silence opposition. His remarks suggest that those who criticize government policies, particularly on immigration, will find themselves targeted.
🚨🇬🇧 War Criminal Tony Blair is on a mission to invade your privacy! He wants to track EVERY aspect of your life under the guise of "safety." Don't fall for the Globalist trap of Digital ID! Your freedom is at stake! #PrivacyMatters #DigitalID #WakeUp pic.twitter.com/PjYXXuDxpE
— MiloX Viral (@MiloX_Viral) February 1, 2025
Under his proposed system, digital IDs would be linked to facial recognition cameras, allowing the government to track people’s movements and online activities. While Blair insists that this would lead to a more efficient government, privacy advocates warn that it will open the door to unprecedented levels of surveillance. Many view it as a further step toward eliminating the ability to speak freely without fear of government retaliation.
If Tony Blair gets his own way with Digital ID then our Freedoms Liberties and Sovereignty will be gone
We will never have Elections
Politicians never voted out but they will live off our TaxesSocial Credit
Carbon Footprint taxes
Make some noise people!— Chris Briscombe HENNESSEY (@WelshCelt) February 1, 2025
The U.K. government is already testing a digital “wallet” system, which allows people to store ID documents on their smartphones. Blair’s push would take this further, incorporating biometric tracking and online verification. Science Secretary Peter Kyle has stated that there are no limits on how far the government could take this initiative, which has led to growing alarm among civil liberties groups.
We know why Tony Blair wants digital ID.
Because the Tony Blair Institute has a vested interest in Digital ID and AI and it wouldn't suprise me if he had shares in several digital ID and AI companies.
— Arthur Swindel (@ArthurSwindel) February 1, 2025
Blair’s involvement signals that these policies could be expanded rapidly, with the Labour government already moving forward on related projects. His think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, remains influential in shaping U.K. policies, particularly in areas related to technology and governance.
The debate over digital IDs is expected to intensify as concerns mount over the long-term implications of a system that could be used to restrict speech and punish political dissent.