A Jam Tomorrow special: Identity cards. What happens when principles come up against panic? When a high minded determination not to collect private info runs up against a society which depends on data? Ros Taylor charts the history of “show us your papers” from wartime security concerns to football hooliganism, benefit fraud crackdowns, Blairite control freakery and our modern obsession with asylum seekers.

Speaking to experts including New Labour ID card advocate Liam Byrne she finds that this is one post war nightmare that could return. Is State ID coming whether we like it or not?

We’ve got more Jam Tomorrow specials coming over the summer. Follow us so you don’t miss any.

• “Every decade or so there’s been a problem where somebody says the ID card is the solution.” – Jon Agar

• “If you are from a marginalised group you know we already live in a papers, please society.” – Rob Ford

• “Yes, people are happy to unlock their device is using biometric data. That’s not the same as the government storing everybody’s name or face on the database.” – Edgar Whitley

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Jade Bailey. Voiceovers by Imogen Robertson. Original music by Dubstar. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Jam Tomorrow is a Podmasters production

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