I remember fears about National ID Cards too, growing up. But people get over it, over time. And many of those who pushed the fears, are the same people pushing the need for all kinds of government ID cards to vote, to collect benefits, to enroll your kids in school, etc., etc. There wasn't much of an outcry about enhanced drivers licenses after 9/11 (that I recall anyway, other than the cost).

People who have passports don't worry that Big Government is going to come and arrest them or something.

People who put their bank info and everything else on their iPhones don't seem to worry too much about having a standard way to store that information. People who track their every step with a FitBit don't seem to worry about having all that information recorded on the Cloud somewhere. People who send a vial of spit off to 23AndMe don't seem to worry about giving up their DNA.

Yeah, there are differences between private entities and The Government. But The Government isn't an all-seeing-eye that Knows Everything About You. It's a bunch of separate walled-off fiefdoms that are very protective of their turf. The FBI hates the CIA. The CIA hates the NSA. The TSA hates everyone. ;-)

Fears of an ID card being misused are overblown. But fears that ID card access requirements will disenfranchise people, prevent them getting benefits, etc., etc. are valid and must be addressed.

Cheers,
Scott.