According to American political commentator and journalist Michael Shellenberger, "The man behind the (global) digital ID push is Larry Ellison, owner of Oracle, CBS, CNN, and, soon, TikTok."
Ellison wants data centralization and total surveillance, said Shellenberger.
"Citizens will be on their best behaviour because we're constantly watching and recording everything that's going on," said Ellison recently.
An article in the UK magazine @NewStatesman outlines how Ellison bankrolled Keir Starmer's digital ID agenda.
"This is not a partisan issue," said Shellenberger. "Freedom lovers on the left and right should both aggressively oppose digital totalitarianism."
Digital ID systems, which assign unique digital identifiers to individuals for accessing services, are increasingly adopted globally. These systems, often linked to biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition, aim to streamline identification and enhance security.
However, civil liberties groups warn they threaten privacy and freedom. Digital IDs could enable mass surveillance, data breaches, or government overreach, potentially tracking individuals’ movements and activities.
Critics fear authoritarian regimes could exploit them to suppress dissent. Advocates argue they improve efficiency and inclusion. Balancing convenience with safeguarding rights remains a contentious issue as governments push for widespread adoption.
