On Sunday 28 June 2009, Praveen A wrote: > 2009/6/27 Nikhil Marathe <[email protected]>: > > Hi all, > > > > Nandan Nilekani is to start the process of issuing every Indian > > citizen an identity card. > > But are the platform/readers and so on based on open source standards, > > such that you > > or I can verify that it doesn't have flaws or hidden backdoors which > > can be misused? > > Are we missing the real picture here? > This EFF article discussed issues of a National ID card as they > planned in the US.
there was an earlier thread on this theme on this list. One does not require a national id for any of the touted purposes, including everyone's favourite dog - security. There are multiple vulnerabilities inherent in the system, even without the technology. The costs involved in trying to plug leakages - the present avowed purpose of the id - is trivial using simple traditional methods. It is more about political will to implement reforms in all layers of governance, primarily opening up government info to the public without filing stupid forms. Rest assured a national id can and will be used politically. Putting up a "pretty face" in the form of Nandini Nilenkani is devilish genius. The focus has neatly shifted from why to how. -- Rgds JTD -- http://mm.glug-bom.org/mailman/listinfo/linuxers
