Uncle Sam Wants You to Have an Online ID

Fox News Business ^ | July 02, 2010 | Jay Bavisi co-founder of the EC-Council

[nmh]

As our daily interactions and transactions have become increasingly “wired,” we have yet to see any truly comprehensive attempts at securing online identities.

Our complex system of usernames and passwords is astoundingly outdated and increasingly prone to security breaches and theft. Yet, so far it has been mostly up to the individual to protect himself against various forms of identity fraud—with larger corporations taking relatively little responsibility.

But this could change in a big way. Right now the federal government is proposing a new system being referred to as the “Identity Ecosystem”—which was highlighted in the recently-released draft paper, “National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace” [NSTIC].

The Identity Ecosystem would allow Americans to choose to obtain a single authenticated ID for online transactions. Like a passport, this single ID could travel with them online and be used to access everything from e-mail, to online health records and banking information. Furthermore, the Identity Ecosystem would only reveal the least amount of information necessary for each transaction.

To highlight the potential consumer benefits of such a system, the White House’s proposal uses the example of an individual filling a prescription online. Under the “smart ID card,” the pharmacy would only receive proof that the individual is over 18 and that the prescription is valid. No other information like birth date or the reason for the prescription.

[nmh]

But the costs associated with implementing such a system would likely be enormous. The NSTIC has anticipated some kickback and will be offering businesses incentives such as tax credits/breaks, insurance, grants and loans for early adoption.

[wiggen]

The cost of implementing? Whats the cost if China hacks in and steals all the info?

[unixfox]

I'm sure it will be "secured" from government prying eyes and others.

Just like our SS number.

[nmh]

More on

International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), a global organization that researches, consults and provides training on issues of e-commerce and cybersecurity. Jay is a regularly featured speaker at e-commerce and cybersecurity conferences in the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

http://www.eccouncil.org/

Keep the GOVERNMENT out of your life even if it means the PRIVATE sector can benefit through work. This is intrusive.

Are we getting closer to George Orwell's 1984?

[nmh]

There goes ANY Right to Free Speech

IF it disagrees with the GOVERNMENT!

[EGPWS]

Why not just stamp a number on our foreheads?

[Gaffer]

Easier business transactions, etc. is not the real purpose behind this proposed system. It is a means to quickly identify ANY user, poster, blogger, emailer, etc. on the web and log them in a database (later, when they have the power consolidated for detainment, imprisonment and execution). Go ahead and laugh now, I’m sure the Germans would have used this instead of all the manpower they had to devote catching Jews.

[Flag_This]

"Whats the cost if China hacks in and steals all the info?"

Hack? They won't have to. Obama will give them access if they'll finance more of his stupid ideas.

[Fresh Wind]

This ain’t Uncle Sam, it’s Big Brother Barack.

[Cacique]

btt

[dforest]

No, absolutely not.

Go to hell government.

They always try to sell supposed benefits as a reason to track you.

Come on folks, this stuff is not a benefit.

[Oceander]

The Identity Ecosystem would allow Americans to choose to obtain a single authenticated ID for online transactions. Like a passport, this single ID could travel with them online and be used to access everything from e-mail, to online health records and banking information. Furthermore, the Identity Ecosystem would only reveal the least amount of information necessary for each transaction.

This is stupidity on stilts. It will simply make identity theft and identity fraud easier. It will also make it infinitely easier for the government to track us all online - forget "privacy," this is the digital version of the panopticon as dissected by Foucault.

But then, why would anyone expect anything other than a panopticon-like arrangement from the fascists in power? They want to control our health care - our very lives - they want to control whether we can be born - through abortion, which will be "free" under Obastardcare, and most likely coercively enforced eventually - and they want to control our ability to freely express our political views, so this is just part and parcel of their overall attempt to control every aspect of our lives.

A much, much better system is one like the one-time-use numbers some financial institutions offer for their account-holders to use in online transactions.

[nmh]

“Why not just stamp a number on our foreheads?”

The sheeple aren't quite ready for that ... but something like this could work you up to that. You have to do this stuff INCREMENTALLY and have people believe it is for THEIR best interests. In this situation it will be to give you more privacy (LOL) and fast efficient access to your PERSONAL information. That will strike a chord with many utopians but for those who THINK, they will not want any parts of this.

[meyer]

Uncle “Obambi” wants you to have an internet ID so that he knows where to send his NazEIU thugs when someone dares to speak out against him.

[unixfox]

It is a means to quickly identify ANY user, poster, blogger, emailer, etc. on the web and log them in a database...

SO THEY CAN TAX THEM!

[dforest]

It is the end of free speech online. it is already a problem. This will make it worse.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

So far, this proposition seems to rate in popularity somewhere between having a car roll over your foot, and having one’s buttocks depilated with a belt sander, then moistened with fresh lemon juice.

[nmh]

Yes ... it's the Cyber Gestapo.

But look how they spin it - Identity Ecosystem !

Many “save the earth” folks will LIKE the word “eco”.

People are so dumb!

[nmh]

LOL!

Just give them time ... remember telling the truth is not their forte. They will get people on board by LYING to them!

[Soothesayer]

How many months/years until they shut down FR and send us “domestic terrorists” to the work camps?