What's a reasonable argument *for* a Federal Government digital ID? Like what actual use is it (apart from the surveillance aspect). What will it bring to the table that isn't already covered?

Can't think of one and the government hasn't made any argument in the media release - just 'Presto, here it is.'

Trying to anticipate what a minister will blather on about if challenged. 'We are centralising government records?' That's already been done, albeit badly.

Who or what is going to ask you to present it? Porn sites? Social media? Is that the only route this goes down? They're just going to trot out the same old criminals, paedophiles and terrorist lines aren't they. Somehow a Federal Government ID stops all that... somehow...

It's fucking perplexing.

#auspol #privacy #myid

Of course, I could just be a paranoid online conspiracy idiot but the timing is curious - dumping all this stuff right before summer, flying the social media kids ban flag while hinting an online certification system will be required to implement it while simultaneously rejigging myGov into myID .

Then there's the senate committee smoking gun.

Nah, I think there's a strong possibility some idiots have a strategy that doesn't involve being upfront. We studied the Australia Card, and the Data Retention sell was a complete fuck up. They're probably terrified of both instances, as would be the minister.

Happy to be wrong but all this stinks of subterfuge and an attempt to get the public (and old media) to sleepwalk into a surveillance trap.

#auspol #privacy #myid

You're giving them more credit than they deserve. Nothing about this government screams "unified master plan". They're winging it.

Maybe on a political level but machinery of govt extends well beyond cabinet meetings.

Not public servant bashing but there'd be entrenched gangs of mates in whatever department chaffing to convince a minister their master plan was a good one, and they have years of rotating governments and ministers to craft them.

All it takes is one gullible minister, like say someone with zero IT knowledge, to spin a good story to as to why making everyone produce ID to access the internet is a great idea. Albo made the argument himself, 'We all show ID to buy alcohol.'

A lot of the old guard, media and politicians alike, hate the internet for how it's disrupted 'their' power structures and want simplistic old world solutions to fight it. This looks like that.

I'd imagine there'd be a few Ministers who aren't IT savvy. They're still on fb, X, and using WhatsApp, for instance...and nauseatingly loyal to the Boss. Yes, Minister vibes. @shermozle