I think there are good reasons why the Internet tradition of anonymity might be a bad idea for society. Virus writers and spammers are allowed to operate in relative impunity because of the shield of anonymity provided them by the Internet. John Robb has done some intersting bloging on this subject.

Of course, the telcos aren't fighting open Wi-Fi because of their fear that anonymity could jeapordize the Internet and society itself. They're doing it out of greed - and short-sighted greed at that. They're having trouble selling broadband, and their answer to the problem is to go after people who operate free Wi-Fi hotspots, who are likely to be among their most loyal customers. Maybe if I had an MBA I'd understand this.

(Every good net.personality needs a tagline ["Have you hugged your wolf today?"] and it seems that's emerging as mine. I look at the way American high-tech big-business treats its most loyal and fanatical customers like shit, and I think, "Maybe if I had an MBA I'd understand this." Crimony, the staff at the local coffee shop is smarter than the heads of telcos--the staff at the local coffee shop actually REWARDS its most heavy customers! They even give an occasional freebie! Imagine that!)

I agree that there are good reasons why anonymity might be a bad idea for society.

I also believe that there are good reasons why the First Amendment is a bad thing for society.

But...there is no way that a free society can exist without these freedoms, and in the US they are constitutionally guarenteed freedoms.

Aint it great!