[CJefferson]

Should a government control the porn a child can walk into a shop and buy? The alcohol and drugs they can work into a shop and buy?

Are you suggesting we remove current laws making it illegal for children to purchase these things?

[saghm]

If I recall correctly, in Pennsylvania the government does own the shops that sell liquor, and most states run lotteries, so there's certainly precedent for governments being the ones in the vice business.

That's besides the point though because this legislation doesn't check people's IDs when they're trying to purchase porn or alcohol, but as soon as they walk out the door, and if they refuse to show it, they have someone following then around even if they just go to the ATM and to the doctor.

[echelon]

A store doesn't photocopy your ID. Some states even allow retailers to skip the ID check if the patron looks old enough.

With online services, there's no way to ensure your information isn't permanently stored and associated with the transaction for later misuse.