I've just started using BTC after a few months and I notice that mtgox now requires a photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc) to withdraw any currency to either bank accounts or dwolla. This was never the case in the past when I had used mtgox to exchange BTC to USD. From what it looks like now, all exchanges are mandating this. Is this in fact the case with all exchanges now, and what is the reason for this requirement? It's been a few months since I've used these services, so anybody who could fill me in on this, the information would be very much appreciated.
If any exchange isn't yet requiring it, it's only a matter of time before either they do or get shut down.
This is the result of fraud, plain and simple and the fact that exchanges have to deal with the laws and regulations of existing banking infrastructure, this is the problem of being hooked into the banking system.
If anyone can find a solution to this problem, it will be worth a lot of money.