I'm in Australia, but I was surprised to read about this proposal. Does any one know if this feasibility trial ever went ahead? (or if this trial is still current)
I gather this trial centres around government-based services, the article is a little vague about the details (thin edge of a much larger wedge in relation to internet access for all across the 'digital spectrum)
I may've posted this before, but at the time I could not re-locate the original link.
I just hope this $2.4 million feasibility trial doesn't give our Aussie politicians ideas for a similar internet licensing-system here (especially for general users)
If any American Tek Syndicate readers can elaborate more on the article below, it would be appreciated (especially, Michigan, and Pennsylvania viewers)
I don't know how it is in America, but any time I have to replace my Telstra 3G / 4G pre-paid mobile wireless USB modem, I have to present my driver's license when purchasing this item from the local post office or retail centre.
Your driver's license number is recorded on another sales sheet which is retained by the Telstra reseller (in this case the post office)
I can remember in the early years of Telstra mobile internet coverage in Australia, where I customer did not need to present a driver's license to secure the purchase of a mobile wireless pre-paid device.
Okay that is total clickbate and from this article mostly bullshit.
I didn't see anything about a "license." Essentially it is allowing you to register once, with a more secure system, to access State Services which often times require sensitive information and which you wouldn't be anonymous anyway.... It isn't for like a forum it is for state services like welfare and state health insurance...
While this identification system is a little scary just because it could be abused and expanded to other services, this isn't a license to access the internet and isn't really anything to worry about just yet.
Expansion to other services is a concern, and in light of what has been transpiring lately (especially in my country), the concerns are valid. I appreciate a Pennsylvanian responding to the post, thanks.
Not sure if Net ID is like internet license thing here, I'm just guessing. Sure the ability to see who is whom on the internet is good, as least on the accountability and visibility point of view. Since 9/11 people already been arrested for "internet threats", "terrorist plots" etc...
It would stop most of the MAJOR illegal activities online such like online drug selling and other black market activities. Also it should make is at least near impossible to doxx in the States, where the law is in effect, might even break VPN or some sorts and people will just now rely on 3rd party/out of country doxxers like in Afghanistan or Egypt, like how they are doing now. Then again, it's the beginning of something like a 'gun registration' type laws that will censor and limit, the internet. Sure internet abusers and "evil" people can be banned from the internet this way, but then it might get out of control and be something like the great firewall of China in America.