Mozilla publishes position paper on the EU Digital Identity Framework

Re:Mozilla publishes position paper on the EU Digital Identi... by Jensson on Wednesday November 17, 2021 @02:58PM (#29258138)

> Why do you need to prove your identity unless you there is some intent to prosecute you? Most of the value in the economy is based on people taking on transaction risk on behalf of others, so replacing it with digital identity will destroy degrees of economic freedom and opportunity for your kids and grandkids. Identity does not create opportunity, it limits it.

I don't understand this argument at all. In what way does the economy require that people take on risks of identity theft when they trade with each other? I don't see a single instance of trade being limited even if all transactions were between established identities.

There are other issues of tight tracking of course, but I don't see this one.

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Re:Mozilla publishes position paper on the EU Digital Identi... by throwaway41597 on Wednesday November 17, 2021 @05:33PM (#29259721)

With the rise of the internet I now consider my identity to be valuable. So I don't give it away for free.

I personally don't want my identity checked unless I'm asking someone to trust me. And I'd rather use a trust-minimizing system before going there. You don't need your id checked when going to the restaurant or the theater. You need to check someone's id when they take your money and promise you something in return (and even then, there may be a better way).

> I don't see a single instance of trade being limited even if all transactions were between established identities.

Do you buy something if you need to send a copy of your id? Do you use a website if it requires Facebook connect?

The issues of tight tracking you mention would be amplified by widespread use of id checks so I think it's essential not to do them often.

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Re:Mozilla publishes position paper on the EU Digital Identi... by dabbledash on Wednesday November 17, 2021 @04:30PM (#29259073)

Unless the entity that vouches for the identity or oversees transactions wanted to limit the ability of some disfavored participants, for some reason.

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Re:Mozilla publishes position paper on the EU Digital Identi... by Jensson on Wednesday November 17, 2021 @04:36PM (#29259151)

If your bank wants to stop you from making a transaction they can do so today as well, not sure how this would change anything. The big difference is that now you could verify the other parties identity before the transaction instead of just your bank doing it.

I can see an objection to erasure of cash, but not these identities.

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