> In most societies today, it is accepted that we must be identifiable to appropriate authorities under certain conditions (consider border crossings, traffic v

> In most societies today, it is accepted that we must be identifiable to appropriate authorities under certain conditions (consider border crossings, traffic violation stops as examples). While there are conditions under which apparent anonymity is desirable and even justifiable (whistle-blowing, for example) absolute anonymity is actually quite difficult to achieve (another point made at the Ditchley workshop) and might not be absolutely desirable given the misbehaviors apparent anonymity invites. Border crossings and traffic stops occur in meatspace, where there is some potential for an actual threat. What exactly is the threat that justifies the need to identify individuals at all times on the internet?