some conspiracy theorists will tell you that bitcoin was made by the NSA, presumably to track money. read the link I posted above.
Thanks for the info. The wiki explains how it can be tracked / Ur identity tied to your address very plainly. It does say that there are measures one can take to defend against it though, like mixing services, but there is work involved.
Bitinstant making you identify yourself does indeed pose a threat, because Ur now entrusting a 3rd party with your identity and a corresponding wallet address that belongs to you.