In a message dated 7/3/98 10:01:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time, eugene@liposome.genebee.msu.su writes:
<<
Passive, pigment-marked (laminated) cellulose ID is one thing.
A smart card, possibly with a short-range transponder is
another thing entirely. Or ubiquitous biometry readers.>>
I agree that it's another thing entirely.
<<For what's this is worth: I am against compulsory IDs of any flavour. Having reliable, remote, realtime identification/authentication is crucial, but it should be
Hmmm... all right, I actually somewhat disagree. I think that identification should be compulsory when engaging in certain functions at which security is extremely important. And I think that the ability to present some proof of who you are to government agencies AND to private agencies who are not familiar with you is extremely important. So I think that everyone ought to at least be issued an ID. I don't however think that you should be required to carry it when, say, taking a stroll around the neighborhood.
Andrew