Forced Identity On the Internet is the Undisputed King of Bad Ideas

The raging libertarian in me finally has to speak up

image by freepik

Lately, I’ve read a lot of hand-wringing about the need for forced identity on the internet — to finally rid ourselves of the scourge of anonymous bad actors, trolls, and misinformation. This talk is even coming from people whose opinions I respect.

And I still respect those people, and their opinions.

But in this case, I believe they’re completely wrong. Because of unintended consequences.

Hackers, Thieves, and Miscreants

First of all, let’s not ignore just how impossible the concept of forced identity on the internet really is — how far out of the tube that toothpaste has been squeezed. I mean, the latest iteration of the internet — web3 — can’t keep any of its damn money where it’s supposed to be. Digital security is getting worse, not better.

Think about how many times sensitive information gets leaked or hacked. And here’s the unintended consequence. Imagine walking around Manhattan wearing a T-shirt with your name, your net worth, your social security number, your phone number, and your home address in big red letters. That’s what forced identity on the internet would feel like if we’re…