Why no physical backup?

I like the way US states that are (slowly) rolling out digital IDs.

First, the physical id is not being replaced.

Second, the digital ids only work in small subsets Until it’s rolled out to more areas.

For example, Californias only allows usage for proving you are over 21 (the app shows a Boolean flag to the person checking your id so it’s actually MORE private) or at select airports for domestic flights.

I am of the opinion that we CAN have a digital ID with some simple privacy items in place and ALWAY allowing a physical backup or opt out.

All of this “think of the children” digital surveillance could be partially mitigated by allowing OIDC like (stripping out unneeded information) that allows anyone to integrate an age check, Id verification, etc without much information being sent to the other apps.

Of course, this doesn’t solve the government knowing your business, but if physical backups were mandated it would help.

I think these age gates are short sighted and don’t do a lot to solve the issues, as it pushed people “underground”, just like prohibition in the states, and causes more issues.

Edit: just occurred to me, we could use a physical hardware key (like a passkey) to prove your age cryptographically without involving government apis.

You plug the fob into your phone, computer, etc. push the button and you are good…

Only domesticated trans people do. Wild trans people don’t.