Is It Time For An Internet Driver's License?

Joe St Sauver, who heads up security for Internet2, told the audience at a Thursday afternoon conference session that the online fraud problem had become so bad -- under the neglect of ISPs, users and private corporations alike -- that the only recourse was to build government-funded free clinics for infected computers around the United States.

St Sauver says the clinic technicians, like doctors in hospitals, would be trained to overlook minor infractions like pirated software or large collections of dubiously sourced mp3s so people wouldn't be afraid of the computer center. That way the center could simply focus on treating sick computers and bolstering their immune systems before sending them home.

"Millions of consumer PCs are compromised, and those machines can be used to host phishing, scan other sites, sniff traffic and in denial-of-service attacks," St Sauver said. "They really have the potential to be a tremendous weapon in the hands of the wrong folks. They represent a significant threat to the United States."

A few audience members argued seriously that computer users should have to take a test to get an internet license, maintain botnet insurance and have their machines inspected for information-super highway worthiness. Others countered that individuals shouldn't have to know how to secure their own computers -- the machines should simply be more inherently secure.