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As the move towards identity cards in the UK gathers pace, BBC News Online takes a look at how a selection of other countries deals with the issue.
IDENTITY CARDS AROUND THE WORLD
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Country
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ID card status
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Functions
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Other information
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France
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Voluntary (police can request confirmation of ID but cannot demand the card)
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Used to prove ID to open bank accounts, in financial transactions and as a travel document within the EU
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Contains basic personal information, but no biometric data. Not used to get health or education services
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Germany
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Compulsory
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Police, local government and customs business
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Cards have PIN and other personal details
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Italy
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Compulsory (police can ask to see it)
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To open bank accounts and for financial transactions and travel within EU
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Contains basic personal information, but no biometric data. Not used to get health or education services
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Japan
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Voluntary
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To access family records, open bank accounts, apply for passport and driving licence or as a form of ID itself
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Photo driving licences used for ID. Foreigners living in Japan need Alien Registration card for tax, health care and public services
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United States
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None
The Bush administration resisted calls for one in the wake of heightened security fears following the 11 September attacks
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N/A
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Photo driving licences used as unofficial forms of ID and can be used to prove identity and age
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One-Minute World News
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