Introduction Universal IDs are thought by their proponents to be a prudent idea both technically and economically. A Universal ID card brings about the reality in the concept of online government where interaction between citizens, government and business is enhanced. This is through government being made aware of the people’s opinions as the people’s awareness of their rights and government activities and requirements is facilitated. Simon Rogers a computer ethics professor cites some ethical concerns that come with ID cards. He points out the card does way with the right to be anonymous because most people will accept the card as their identity. He also points out that the right to participate forms much of the ethical code of a digital society. This is a right that is at risk of being abused when governments enforce the identity card on every citizen (Middleton, 1999 pp22-27). History Since the 1970s there have been claims that auto-ID technology will lead to abuse of privacy rights and eventually totalitarian control of the people. There has also been a proliferation of terms such as Big Brother and function creep to describe the government’s all-seeing ability and the potential abuse and misuse of information. The focus on beating terrorism and fraud has led to greater centralization of information in government agencies. Storage and searching capabilities of computers nowadays are greater than ever before making the possibility of loss of privacy more of a reality (Michael and Michael, 2004,pp433-450). The Universal Identification System serves both public and private functions. This means that both the private and public sectors have to supervise one another so that they can remain within the boundaries of legislation for data protection. To make the project of universal identity more legitimate, privacy activists have been brought on board. This has helped to increase public support for the project (www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/users/oz/allan/IUD_Scenaro.doc.) In a Gift of Fire, Sara Baase describes the benefits of fire and the dangers associated with it. She parallels this with the necessity of computers; their importance in daily lives is evident from their ubiquitous use. Though the Universal Identification system is beneficial in the fight against fraud and terrorism it does not come without ethical issues and the potential for computer crime (Baase, 2002, pp1-8; 230-240). The danger of the Universal Identity card lies in the fact that an individual’s personal information is made available to holders who are making an information profile. There is a chance that these holders could use the information without the knowledge of the individual. Identity theft is also a common problem especially where the ID system fails. This creates a potential for large losses where the aggrieved individual decides to sue for violation of their rights to privacy (www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/). Ethical Side Philosophical debates on privacy have been influenced by the development of legislation that protects privacy. In majority of these debates and especially those concerned with the use of information technology, the focus on privacy involves an individual’s control over information