An illegit excuse — that’s probably what you’re thinking of when we’re on about the real name system (实名制). Yes, illegit by all counts — until you come to terms with the fact that a double, virtual you is not exactly what your presence on the Internet is all about.

After all, some guy has got to generate the content — in your name.

This very short post points out one pointer: your real life does not cease when you tap onto that great big Internet out there. Your real name is part of Facebook and on many Twitter accounts as well. You can’t hide from yourself — on the Web. Sure, go and make up a fake name like polkadude_0123, but some real, breathing guy has got to put the content up in the first place.

So if the Web is an extension of real life, that’s a good reason to stick the Real Name System in. Sorry folks. The days of the Web as a geeks-only paradise/haven thing is now officially over.

You think this is only a “_______ist China” so-called problem? Here’s something: in terms of mobile phone registration requirements, China is more libre than Switzerland. What’s Switzerland got to do with this imbroglio? The country’s Federal Constitution explicitly bans censorship (Article 17b). And yet, Bern requires all prepaid mobile numbers to be registered — in your name. No sweat if you’re local or alien; it’s still required.

And China isn’t doing that right now.