Clearly, Al Gore is somebody who not just has national name ID - and now international name ID - but he is a major league player for the Democrats.

NPR: Gore's Prospects for the 2008 Presidential Race

"The only piece of information you see is the information you already know - that might be a Facebook name, a Twitter id or e-mail address, " says Jonathan Grubin, head of Send Social.

BBC: Real life postage that just needs your e-mail address

For instance, the console's "True Name" social functionality isn't automatic -- you have to opt-in to who will see your real name versus your PlayStation Network ID.

ENGADGET

The dominance of smartphones and real-name social media websites like Facebook have helped contribute to the increase in ID fraud.

FORBES: Smartphones Tied To Rise In Identity Fraud

So an ID thief in possession of a valid name and Social Security number can create phony W-2s and apply for a refund of make-believe withholding, or for a refundable credit, such as the earned income tax credit, worth thousands of dollars.

FORBES: IRS Tips Won't Protect You From Identity Theft Tax Fraud

Mohammed - whom the BBC has agreed not to name fully to protect his family in Afghanistan - said he showed nine military ID cards, all genuine, as well as several references and photos of himself being treated for his injuries at Camp Bastion's field hospital.

BBC: Afghan interpreter: Leicester man's asylum reconsidered

Today they can handle 80 times more information than the most advanced magnetic-stripe plastic, which usually contain little more than a name, an account number and a secret ID code.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek