drag2share: US to start testing universal internet IDs to combat fraud

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/06/nstic-government-internet-id/

In 2011, the government started concocting a plan to issue Americans one online ID they can use across multiple agencies' websites -- sort of like an OpenID for the government. Now, that plan's wheels are turning, and pilot testing's slated to begin this May in Pennsylvania and Michigan. The initiative, called National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC), was originally devised as a means to prevent fraud and make it easier to verify identities quickly. This initial rollout only involves websites for those applying for government assistance, as it's merely meant to test whether the idea's feasible. But the government hopes this universal ID can replace people's logins for various places on the internet in the future. Obviously, not everyone will be thrilled by this development; after all, we're now very much aware of the NSA's love for snooping. Plus, it's risky using just a single log-in for various services like banking and social security. If you're one of those people, then cross your fingers and hope that NSTIC's completely voluntary, like what the government promised during the project's inception.

Filed under: Internet

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Via: TechDirt

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