Latest editorial
The Home Office has become embroiled in an embarrassing row over its controversial immigration programme after it emerged text messages targeting suspected illegal migrants had been sent to British nationals by mistake.
A total of 39,100 text messages have been sent by private firm Capita on behalf of the government as part of a contract to track down individuals who may not have the right to live in Britain.
The text message reads: "Message from the Home Office. Our records show that you may not have leave to remain in the UK. Please contact us on 0844 3754636 to discuss your case."
Digital ID means the government could track anyone and then limit their speech, movements, finances — and it could get this all wrong, identifying the wrong people for the wrong reasons, as the numerous digital cockups so far demonstrate, warns DYLAN MURPHY
