tony fish

I am a verified Tag - not a number

Players (corporate companies who own brands and networks) want control points for good economic reasons [barriers to entry], control of numbers has been an underpinning element in communications, search resolving [directory] has been another.

Whilst I understand comments about what are tags and resolving numbers, which look the same, I accept the criticism that I did not explain my intention well.  I am not sure that I will do much better this time, but I am sure you will let me know, and I will still be somewhat vague, as this is thought in progress and your point of view is probably more valid than mine.

If (if) my identity (ID) is only a collection of verified information [assumption], I need two elements to justify identify ( who I say I am) - who I am based on some historical fact(s) and that these facts are conferred somehow.  My historical facts are made up from my DOB, NI, education, jobs, interests, relations, finger print, preferences etc.  These facts allow me to gain Identity and acquire verified identity (conferred) such as driving license, passport, entry cards etc.  These verified identities in turn allow me to buy verified services such as banking.  These verified services allow me to pay-for (buy) non-verified services such as communications, who give me a number, that becomes part of my identity. But a communication number cannot be used to identify who I am, therefore the loop is open.  This suggests that I can use simple and then complex proof to gain an identity to gain access to services.

Now, Avatar's, handles, numbers and indeed my name; are like tags, totally agree - they are descriptors in space and time to resolve something that I cannot remember as it is too complex [dna, ip address, family history] . However, some of these services are one dimensional and allow a user to hide, to be hidden, to falsely identify who they are and be me [fraud].  Verified Identity, my passport, driving license (in most cases) should be a true representation of who I am at some point in time.  Now, how about a verified Tag. Something that allows me to be identified and verified, but not because who I say I am, but others. A closed loop system.  Since, the Internet allows me to set up an ID called tonyfish, without proof.  I can then take someone’s verified ID can communicate to another channel.  As this is open – it can be abused. 

• Posted by tonyfish on 15/02/2006.
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