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Government-backed digital ID to streamline age verification and identity services
The UK Government is set to introduce digital ID cards allowing individuals to verify their age for purchasing alcohol and other services starting next year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to digitalise state functions, such as tax payments and benefit applications, using a secure single sign-on system. Certified digital ID providers will offer smartphone-based identification, enabling quick and secure checks without sharing excessive personal details. These changes aim to modernise identity verification, potentially improving convenience in areas like retail and hospitality.
Despite its potential, the scheme will remain optional. Traditional forms of identification, such as passports and utility bills, will still be accepted. The programme also includes initiatives like digital veteran cards for former service personnel, aiming to simplify access to services. While digital IDs mark significant progress in identity technology, the government has ruled out mandatory adoption, reflecting ongoing debates over privacy and access.
Source: The Telegraph, 8 December 2024
Editorial note: Media stories covering other harmful consumer products, such as alcohol, unhealthy food and drink and gambling, are being included in ASH Daily News because policy change in these areas is indicative of the Government’s position on prevention and their attitudes to harm-causing industries. This article is evidence of the government’s effort to reduce the harms caused by alcohol.
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EU proposes expanding outdoor smoking bans to reduce health risks
The European Union has endorsed proposals to broaden smoking bans in outdoor public spaces, targeting areas near hospitals, schools, playgrounds, and transport stops as part of its ambition for a “smoke-free generation” by 2040. Although the initiative was widely supported, Germany and Greece abstained due to regional autonomy and scientific concerns. Efforts to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco were rejected, with ongoing debate over their risks compared to traditional tobacco. In a statement about the proposals, the European Commission cited estimates from the World Health Organization that, globally, over 8 million people die every year from smoking. Of this, an estimated 1.2 million die due to secondhand smoke, prompting health advocates to prioritise public protection, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Source: The Connexion, 5 December 2024
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EU nations seek unified taxation rules for vaping products
Sixteen EU member states, led by the Netherlands and supported by Ireland and others, have called on the European Commission to revise the bloc's outdated tobacco taxation directive to include vaping and other novel tobacco products. The countries argue that the absence of uniform regulations has resulted in fragmented national policies, creating market distortions. While current EU standards limit nicotine content and require manufacturer registration, tax policies vary significantly across the region. Nations like Ireland are also independently pushing measures such as bans on disposable vapes due to health and environmental concerns. The group urges the Commission to address these disparities urgently, as an update originally due in 2022 remains delayed.
Source: RTÉ, 9 December 2024
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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