Over the past few years a number of ground-breaking events have taken place that have encouraged the British government to press ahead with its controversial Identity Cards Bill (the bill). This despite the fact that the bill is arguably one of the most controversial pieces of legislation unveiled in recent years. Whilst the bill has garnered support from law enforcers, it has provoked opposition from a number of quarters, including civil liberty groups, which view the bill as another step towards the creation of a ‘Big Brother’ state. This article sets out the implications of the new identity card scheme and reviews its strengths and weaknesses.