![A White House proposal for online "proof" of ID is meeting resistance.](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/bb/26/bb2639fd6be955a33f9c760c9c3fb2f1.jpg "A White House proposal for online "proof" of ID is meeting resistance.")
The White House is concerned that on the Internet no one knows who you really are. So they have released a plan to fix that for public comment. So far, the comments have not been kind.
About a month ago, Howard Schmidt, the nation’s “cyberczar,” announced a proposed system where people must verify their true identity before any online transactions can take place. Think of it as a kind of virtual ID card or drivers’ license, similar to what we must show in airport security lines before we can board a plane.
In the freewheeling world of the Internet, one would expect the general reaction to this form of control to be negative. But comments from at least two highly-respected IT security professionals highlight fundamental flaws in the government’s approach.
“I wouldn’t even put this proposal in my top five list of Internet priorities,” says Gene Spafford, a professor of Computer Sciences at Purdue University. “We don’t have to build a border around the country. We need to strengthen our own systems.”
Spafford points out that because the Internet is global, a national system that would force online authentication could unnecessarily hurt U.S. businesses. And the likelihood that every country in the world would go along with such as plan is nil.
The potential for abuse in this process is also a concern. In some countries, people are persecuted for exercising free speech and their ability to communicate online could be quickly taken away. “Sometimes, there is safety in not being identified,” says Spafford.
The White House proposal has also come under fire for not focusing enough on public awareness that would encourage safer and more secure websurfing. “The bad guys are still going to be out there and attacking our systems,” says Linda McCarthy, the Bay Area-based former Symantec executive and author. “This proposal is only one piece of a complicated puzzle.
Schmidt and the White House may be floating a “trial balloon” to see how far they can push the Internet community to sacrifice privacy for the sake of safer controls. But in doing so they run the risk that an identity plan which creates more problems than it solves is just a lot of hot air.
Comments
I believe this would stifle constructive anonymous criticism and be hazardous to free speach and dialog. We need to be able to criticize without fear of repercussions or judgment. Notwithstanding, it gives data miners the ability to collect profiles on persons without their knowledge. This is a dangerous concept and THREAT proposed against AMERICAN VALUES AND FREEDOM. The Cyber Czar needs to meet the terminator as his idea is a threat to Americans and free speach.
Typical knee jerk mentality from the kings of stupid the usa gov.
Anyone even associatted with the gov knows nothing of the internet nor any answers... otherwise they wouldn't be stupid enough to take the job.
Dept of Dumbland insecurity?? yeah they are "experts"!! experts in stupidity.... cretinism and treason.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!