International photo ID (was Re: Semi-off-topic - Netiquette ?)

[Kjetil Kjernsmo]

Without addressing the discussion here, there is just this one point that
I'd like to comment on:

>> The only secure way to exchange signatures is when you have the
>> passport of the person - and the person ! - in front of you and she
>> gives you her public key, or the key id with the fingerprint.
>
>Passport forgery, anyone?

I am going to organize a keysigning party at the International Conference
for Physics Students in Dublin, and we brought this up on on our mailing
list.

Around here, what is widely regarded as the strongest photo ID is the
bank card, what you use to identify yourself to the bank. I heard that in
the U.S. you can't really go anywhere without a Driver's License, but a
driver's license around here is not really worth a lot. The new Norwegian
passports aren't too bad, but nobody would trust the old ones (and they
are worth a lot sold on the black market, I've heard). In Sweden, however,
you would hardly get money from your own bank account if your passport was
the only identification you had...

Also, anybody can up with something that looks like an identity card, when
they have in fact made it themselves. If you don't know what is customary
in the country where the person comes from, there is no way you can judge
the validity of the card.

OK, so this raises the issue: In an international setting, how should
people identify themselves? We figured that people should bring their
passport _and_ some other photo ID of their choice, one that is generally
regarded as strong. We should note what kind of ID is used so that we may,
at least in principle check afterwards if in doubt.

Are there any experiences on this topic?

Best,

Kjetil
-- 
Kjetil Kjernsmo
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