I just re-read the blog I just posted. It strikes me that the two gentlemen I quoted make a strong case for the value of User-Centric Identity (UCI) – as opposed to Government Centric Identity (GCI).

Mr. Loretto sounds pretty darn condescending – like I don’t have the common intelligence to juggle a few Identities on my own. Maybe from his lofty perch in the high eschelons of power within Telstra, he has forgotten that the common man is able to do some pretty remarkable things – like keeping track of a few credit cards or a few Identities. When people of power have such a disparaging view of the common man, it becomes easy for them to exploit, abuse and defraud.

To quote a favorite bit of scripture, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” (D&C 121:39 — Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)

Mr. Heath, on the other hand, points out a huge opportunity for abuse or fraud – concentrating many Identities into one is just begging for some fraudulent operator to steal identities and do bad stuff.

My concern about national ID cards is centered on the fact that abuse can and will occur within government or other institutions. The bigger the trust we put in governement (like accepting a national ID card), the bigger opportunity for abuse. It’s too bad, but it’s a fact of life.

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