After news that the Obama administration announced a new National Internet ID initiative, the general Internet quickly rallied against it. The name itself sounds sort of like something handed down by a Communist regime, but the administration has been quick to point out that the implication of such a strategy would in no way begin a slippery slope of regulation and big brother-esque monitoring. In fact, its purpose is not to monitor online activity — its purpose is to aid US consumers in creating a central identity for use on the Internet. But what exactly would this accomplish?
When it comes to worrying about online security, your opinions are split. But given the recent popularity of online privacy in the news from companies like Google and Facebook, it's possible the government could come up with a plausible solution.The initiative is aimed at increasing cybersecurity and gives authority to the U.S. Commerce Department — not the Department of Homeland Security or the National Security Agency, reinforcing that this security measure is aimed to protect US consumers and is not considered a national security measure or tracking system of any kind. Find out what you should expect, and when to expect it, after the break.
