The government has decided to discontinue the mandatory component of the national digital identity scheme, signalling another retreat in policy direction for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration. The move follows a broader trend of cautious reassessment of large‑scale tech initiatives deemed too invasive or impractical and clarifies the executive’s stance on privacy‑related public services._2_Chris Mason, the BBC’s political editor, notes that the policy change reflects sustained scepticism within the cabinet about imposing compulsory measures that could affect millions of citizens. The decision does not, however, halt the digitisation of public records entirely; rather, it preserves the optional aspects of the identity framework, allowing users to opt into services such as online voting or digital earnings certification. _3_The impact of this climbdown is twofold. Operationally, it relieves the government’s responsibility to supply infrastructure and safeguards for a mandatory system, potentially reducing expenditure and administrative overhead. Politically, it positions Downing Street as more responsive to civil society concerns about data security, even as it may ruffle stakeholders who argue that a compulsory digital ID is essential for modern governance and fraud prevention efforts. The announcement provides an example of the delicate balance governments must maintain between technological advancement and public acceptability.}}