Whoa. Is this for real?
President Obama is planning to hand the U.S. Commerce Department authority over a forthcoming cybersecurity effort to create an Internet ID for Americans, a White House official said here today.It’s “the absolute perfect spot in the U.S. government” to centralize efforts toward creating an “identity ecosystem” for the Internet, White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt said.
Yikes! Apparently it’s opt-in only, but seriously?
Throw your hat into the comment ring and let’s hear it.
[via CBS]
Matthew Snider says
I would love to know more. Why would need a unique ID. Who and what is tracking it? Why are you tracking it? I think it could be of good use if they force say child molesters to utilize it and monitor them online. For us folks who design websites for churches – ehh.
Matthew Irvine says
Scary? yes. However, if Big Brother would throw his weight at the porn industry and require this type of unique identity system for smut sites, I would be all for it. That would have a major affect of reducing the number of kids being exposed to the junk. It would hit the porno pocket books really hard, and maybe some of these young girls (and guys) who get into the film industry just wouldn’t. I realize that’s a long way from the heart of this post, but it sure is a positive possible implication that I see from it.
Miles says
I get how you feel, but just remember, once there is government regulation over something, it doesn’t just stay at that same level.
From a legal perspective only tracking smut (as an example) is very arbitrary. How much is protected by Free Speech / Free Press and how much can be regulated? It is not uncommon for churches to talk about what they believe the Bible has to say about sexuality. Can that be regulated? Ultimately anything that is an arbitrary line in the sand (again legally speaking, not for those of us who follow christ) can be moved over time.
Stephen Bateman says
There is no way I want another number attached to my name, for any purpose (We have enough issues with SSN theft!).
It would take about 20 minutes for criminals to figure out how to assume someone else’s number, and be a headache for everyone else. Not to mention a privacy nightmare.
Ok so all of that, and my law prof said: “policy is all about balancing individual rights with public safety.” My question: is our collective right to privacy on the net outweighed by public safety?
Stephen Bateman says
P.S. I also feel like this should come from Congress, not the President.
If he wants it, pass a law.
Miles says
+1
Another non-elected official is not something we need.