> The inconsistent, chaotic patchwork of ID systems is more resilient than a monoculture, and definitely more resilient than a centralized solution.
This can be done in a decentralized manner where people host their identity. For example, for email you can buy a domain name and set the DNS MX record to point to whichever email server you want to receive email at. For identity you could have a DNS record with a public key, and then use your private key to generate random signed identities for every website. Obviously that's a bit out of reach of normal people, but it can be implimented without too much complexity. And inevitably it'll get pretty centralized for 90% of people, just like 90% of people use a @gmail.com email address, but the option will still be there for those who need it.
This can be done in a decentralized manner where people host their identity. For example, for email you can buy a domain name and set the DNS MX record to point to whichever email server you want to receive email at. For identity you could have a DNS record with a public key, and then use your private key to generate random signed identities for every website. Obviously that's a bit out of reach of normal people, but it can be implimented without too much complexity. And inevitably it'll get pretty centralized for 90% of people, just like 90% of people use a @gmail.com email address, but the option will still be there for those who need it.