(no subject)

[pez]

Logged off earlier to play PS2, turned on the telly and saw the politicians debating about ID cards.

As someone born in HK, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. In HK, you have to get your children ID card when you're 11, and adult one when you're 18. You have to carry it around with you. Police have the power to stop and request to look at your card, walkie-talkie back to the station and check you are who you are.

It sounds scary, but it really isn't. It's very convenient to have proof of identity, and you get used to leaving the card in your wallet, the same as you would carry your keys when you go out. The police can't just stop and search - they can only do so if you look suspicious, or if they're specifically looking for someone. If they ask for your ID card without reason you can actually complain (though not many people bother, since the cops just take a look at it, check it's legitimate, smile at you and thank you for your time). Think about how annoying it is in this country - you got to bring proof of identity for things like bank account, new mobile line, stuff like that, and what if I don't have a driving license, I gotta go home and find a phonebill or something to prove... it's so damn annoying.

In HK we've started to introduce SmartID as well. The new ID cards have chips in them to store info, so now we can use it in public libraries to borrow books, use it at governmental services, stuff like that.

When we get our cards (it's free and compulsory), we go get a photo taken and our fingerprints taken. For many crimes in HK all they need to do is dust for prints and they know who has done it. Over here things are just so much more complicated. And when you get arrested for ASB and get fined on the spot, they have no idea who the fuck you actually are if you really keep your mouth shut, unless you have a driving license on your or they follow you home and find your passport. Which probably you wouldn't do, but it's a waste of police time (worse than all the form-filling, I swear) The cards are also very useful to prove that you aren't an illegal immigrant from China or Vietnam.

This is like watching people go WTF at Oyster cards. Excuse me, we've been using it in HK since 4+ years ago and it's a brilliant system. We use it on the underground, buses, convenient stores, fastfood stores, and we can get cards that automatically get money transferred from your bank account once you run out of credit, so you don't have to top it up all the time. Yes, our travel information gets collected on it, but so what? If you aren't doing anything bad/illegal, there is no need to worry about it. (and such info can be your alibi if you're falsely accused of something) A better transport system depends heavily on accurate statistics that allow appropriate changes to be made to suit the people better, for God's sake.

When it comes down to it, it depends on people respecting the system and not abuse their powers. Of course UK is a much larger country and it'll be more difficult to implement such a system, but the reasons they're giving is just... it's not just about the difficulty or being conservative, they're really saying that they aren't good enough to handle the system with respect, I think.

HK had been the testing grounds for the British of many successful systems, too bad they couldn't bring most of it back to their home country.

Comments

[chinawolf.livejournal.com]

I feel the same as you. We have compulsory IDs from 16 upwards, and you're supposed to carry them with you but if you don't, it's usually no problem.

We also have to register an address with the city government for tax purposes. I really do not understand what is so bad about the government having a contact address for each citizen. It seems silly to be against that, it's so useful, after all!

Also, SO MUCH love for the Oyster card. I've used it the last two times I was in Hong Kong and just *wish* Beijing and Shanghai would adopt it, too. (Don't know if Guangzhou has.) Cologne has a different system, it's not really practical here yet, but it'll come in the long run, I hope. :))

[quatorze.livejournal.com]

I agree completely. The whole fuss sounds totally retarded to someone like me, who's used to everyone having an ID card! For me, it's my driver's license - never leave the house without it. I might need it any time, for example if I buy something with my credit card in a shop, they routinely ask to see my ID if the grand total is over 50 euros. It's perfectly normal, it's routine, it's not about some goddamn Big Brother system watching over us! Can't see what's the problem with having proof of identity on me at all times...