@abc
(about online petitions)
"It's the equivalent of signing a massive physical petition, as was done before the internet.".
Not per definition, not even close even.
The problem lies in the details: how the petition is carried out. Not many people who open such petitions also have the technical know-how to prevent abuse. You know: signing the petition multiple times using all the e-mail aliases you have for example. And speaking of which: what about actually verifying the validity of an e-mail address?
I know: let's request people to register prior to signing. All it takes is one valid e-mail address. Here we go again.
Maybe one sign per IP address? But that would deprive your family from signing. Or worse: those who know how public VPN's work will once again have plenty of ways to sign multiple times.
Online petitions are by far the same as physical ones.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
