Why the ID database will never work...

[sbisson]

...you just have to look at the problems people have with CRM systems...

Standard data cleaning metrics show that data in any contacts database degenerates at a rate of around 30% a year, just through people moving, changing jobs, getting new phones - all the trivial things we never really think of. It's a massive problem, and the companies set up just to help people clean corporate contact databases struggle to keep up with things.

Now imaging trying to keep the data of everyone in the UK clean. It's going to be virtually impossible. And the national database will be storing much more than just where everyone lives.

So, you have to ask yourself, are you able trust a national ID database?

Comments

[vampwillow]

I was thinking of testing that 30% thing last night, as it happens. Many years ago I set up the membership database for a London-based organisation, which meant I was the "keeper of the phone numbers". Last night - via something else which prompted the thought - I was debating calling all the numbers I have on file to see which (indeed, if *any*) are still extant and the same person.

Although I havn't moved my phone number has changed; I doubt that more that 3-5% might still be accurate ...