> Anonymity of users: validating someone's real-life identity sufficiently would make it possible to permanently ban malicious individuals and filter out bots with good effectiveness, but it will destroy anonymity online. In my opinion, literally untenable.
I see this point constantly made on the echo chamber that is known as HackerNews. The average normie user does not care about anonymity, nor privacy, on the Internet. They want a smooth, fun experience. The solution is secure boot plus attestation via some browser JavaScript API. If you want even less friction, users are required to register their devices with a gov't agency, then their attestation will carry more value.
Really, why don't we see HN crying about the need to show a national ID (and register) when buying a mobile phone? I never once saw anyone complaining about it here. Are there any highly developed nations that allow complete strangers with any nationality to buy and use a mobile phone without showing a national ID? I don't know any, or they will all soon be gone. It only takes a few more terrorist assholes to close that door permanently.
Really, why don't we see HN crying about the need to show a national ID (and register) when buying a mobile phone? I never once saw anyone complaining about it here. Are there any highly developed nations that allow complete strangers with any nationality to buy and use a mobile phone without showing a national ID? I don't know any, or they will all soon be gone. It only takes a few more terrorist assholes to close that door permanently.