The UK government has abandoned plans to implement a mandatory digital ID system for workers following significant public backlash. Nearly three million people signed a petition opposing the proposal, which would have required workers to use a government-issued digital credential to prove their right to work. The decision marks a retreat from a policy that faced criticism from politicians and civil liberties groups, who raised concerns about surveillance and data security risks. Despite the reversal, digital right-to-work checks will remain mandatory, though not tied to a single government ID system. The UK plans to introduce an optional digital ID scheme by 2029, offering it alongside other electronic documentation methods. This development comes amid broader debates on digital identity and privacy, as the EU advances its digital identity framework and explores privacy-preserving technologies.