On the Internet, as in the physical world, we have many identities depending on the situation.  But unlike the physical world, the Internet affords a high degree of anonymity, which can be good and bad.  We are free to participate in online surveys anonymously, for example, but we can also be tempted to spout off under a fake identity. 

Recently, the chief executive of Whole Foods Market was accused of “sock puppeting,” meaning he assumed a false identity online and posted comments promoting his company and attacking competitors.  The SEC is investigating whether or not he broke the law with his posts, which he had been making for years.  (See article.)

The Internet was not built with identity in mind, purposely.  As online citizens, we need to be constantly aware that the digital world is on shaky ground in terms of identity, yet it increasingly requires strong identity management, with trust, as the Net becomes more and more commercial.  Digital Trust Volume 2 on identity management explores these issues.