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License to Surf, Take Two
NaugaHunter writes "A story on Yahoo asks
Should [a] License Be Required to Go Online? It appears to be suggested by Bruce Schneier, chief technology officer for Counterpane Internet Security Inc. 'It could be a four-year college degree, a one-month course. It might be a good idea.' The story also details efforts of some schools from simple orientation to threats of fines for spreading viruses, and questions exactly who would be responsible for keeping track of who is and isn't licensed." Not a new idea, but one that's going to keep coming up. Update: 09/13 18:11 GMT by M : Bruce Schneier notes that he isn't in favor of computer licenses.
Why don't we start taxing email! Or perhaps data by the megabyte! Think of the revenues!
You mean the "Internet Driver's Licence" isn't a real licence for that there Interweb? Bugger, now I have to take it off my resume.
Damn! There I was, putting my finishing touches on my "+5 insightful" comment and BAM! the discussion is ended!
oh well... there'll be other threads...
Um, yes. I'm proud to be a Bachelor of Mouse-Clicking.
When we, the technologicaly elite, make our OWN network, based on encrypted tunnels on the existing infrastructure - then we can choose what level of certification is required to interact with peers.
I'm serious.
Don't Tread on Me
I was going to rebut, but my ride is here - gotta go before he starts flinging feces at the neighbors.
Knock on the door.
"Please open up. We have reason to believe someone inside is online without a license!"
The license can't just be a smartcard, or everyone will just leave theirs in the slot so family and friends have access - and likely put the whole crew and half the wireless neighborhood on NAT behind them. So we're going to have to build biometric security into every potentially Net-connected device.
That will surely get the Dept. Homeland Security Seal of Approval. Let's have Microsoft build it so it really works!
"with their freedom lost all virtue lose" - Milton
Let's face it... airline security would be a whole lot easier if they could get rid of most of the damn passengers and have a select group of 20 backround-check cleared people be the only ones flying.
When securing something equals destroying it, you've got a big problem...
Phones can be dangerous; just ask CmdrTaco.
I meta-mod all positive moderation Unfair, because it's abuse of the system.
what will I need to procreate? A Nobel prize?
Panic not, aspiring scientist! First you'll need a girlfriend.
People should have to get a license to have kids, not to surf the Internet.
Yeah, I said it.