Online ID and ID Cards

NYTimes has an article on an effort to simplify passwords online:

"The idea is to bring the concept of an identity card, like a driver’s license, to the online world. Rather than logging on to sites with user IDs and passwords, people will gain access to sites using a secure digital identity that is overseen by a third party. The user controls the information in a secure place and transmits only the data that is necessary to access a Web site."

Having recently scorned Medicare's refusal to take the SSN off their ID card, I think the government should join this effort.