German officials want emails, IMs tied to real-world ID

German officials want Internet users’ digital footprints be tied to their real-world identities. — Fotolia/TNS

BERLIN: Germany security officials are proposing that Internet companies should link a user’s real-world identity to all of their instant messages, emails and other online communication, prompting criticism from digital rights activists.

Like in many other countries, mobile phone firms in Germany are required to verify a customer’s identity before selling them a SIM card. Under a proposal leaked late Tuesday, Germany’s Interior Ministry wants the same rule to apply to “number independent” telecommunications services such as WhatsApp, Signal or Facebook messenger.