Brits Test National ID Card System

The British government is handing out national identity cards Monday for the first time in more than half a century as it tests a system aimed at reducing the threat of terrorism.

Ten thousand volunteers will receive the high-tech cards, which record biometric data including facial and iris scans and electronic fingerprints.

The Home Office eventually wants to make the cards compulsory for all Britons and to build a national database of biometric details. It says the database would reduce fraud, identity theft, illegal immigration and, importantly, deter terrorists.

"Those (countries) who don't have secure biometric identity through their passport, visa and ID system will be known by the terrorist to be the easiest touch," Home Secretary David Blunkett told British Broadcasting Corp. radio. "That's why we need to be in front of the rest of the developed world."

CBS News Correspondent Steve Holt reports the move towards compulsory ID is expected to involve years of legislative and legal wrangling.

The process of putting ID cards in everyone's pocket began Monday, as the government published draft legislation on the subject.