“Why do you think it’s called a net or a web? Because it’s a trap!” – Alan Parker: The Urban Warrior
The UK Government is set to use already existing online profiles as a means of officially verifying the identity of Her Majesty’s subjects, reports The Independent :
The Government will announce details this month of a controversial national identity scheme which will allow people to use their mobile phones and social media profiles as official identification documents for accessing public services.
People wishing to apply for services ranging from tax credits to fishing licences and passports will be asked to choose from a list of familiar online log-ins, including those they already use on social media sites, banks, and large retailers such as supermarkets, to prove their identity.
Once they have logged in correctly by computer or mobile phone, the site will send a message to the government agency authenticating that user’s identity.
