Posts by axelotl

Former UK PM Tony Blair urges governments to sort out online ID

Need for ID cards

There is no problem having to produce ID when one seeks a benefit or having ID as authentication.

Eg: I produce my credit card when when I want credit and a library card when I want to borrow a book.

I do object to being required to prove who I am when all I am doing is exercising my right to be at large.

I think Identity cards should be mandatory for all those who claim to be entitled to ask me who I am.

For myself, I don't need a breathing license.

That raises the question of what constitutes a "benefit".

In a world of fake news and trolling it could surely be useful to have a system of non-repudiation.

"You said it! You can't deny it."

What follows in terms of the duties of forum providers is where it gets complcated.

Apple and Google are KILLING KIDS with encryption, whine lawyers

Get the NRA on the case

Since crypto tech is arguably a weapon owning and posessing it is surely a second amendment right (for US citizens at least).

Given their success in protecting the right to keep and bear physical arms surely we should enlist the NRA in protecting this digital right.

On the other hand given that over 10,000 homicides a year in the US are attributable to gun ownership maybe the 'saving lives' argument would cut both ways.