Anonymity and identity

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defaults

Eric, defaults are not binary. They are a way of talking about a baseline expectation (and what requires justification) in a highly non-binary world. So, let me take it out of sw lingo.

In the real world, and currently on line, you need a special reason to demand ID from someone, but you don't need a special reason to not demand ID. Obviously, there are special circumstances online and in the RW where ID is demanded of everyone: Airports (especially on this dismal day!), porn shops, etc. And it's almost always ok for someone to choose to reveal her identity. The default, though, is not being required to show ID. One only talks about defaults when the situation is complex and not binary.

You and I don't disagree about the need for ID schemes to permit maximum user control. Of course. But we do disagree, I think, about the likely real-life outcome of moving from having particular solutions to particular ID problems (a site needs to know your name and credit card number, a site needs to confirm you're over 21, etc.) to having a generalized solution to the general problem. The latter is a platform, and the widespread adoption of an identity platform will, imo, create an expectation that users will identify themselves so often that it will become the default. Why wouldn't every vendor require strong ID if it's a platform so widely available?

In short, the creation of a generalized platform will kick Norlin's Law into overdrive. And since I there are important social and political benefits to keeping anonymity the default - the state that usually requires no explanation or justification - I am unhappy about the progress the ID platform is making.

- David Weinberger

Posted by: self@...   Posted on: 08/10/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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