An identity validation system and method for the Internet provides user accountability while supporting user privacy to counter SPAM, Internet vandalizers, and predators, as well as cyber bullies who use the Internet to communicate with actual or potential victims. The system includes network authority software that issues a permanent identity and secret code to a user and disseminates different hashed versions of the permanent identity and secret code to different agents. A user hardware Internet passport generates hashed versions of the permanent identity and secret code as well as a passcode that is generated from the hashed secret code and user software generates a temporary identity from the hashed permanent identity. The user software transmits the temporary identity and passcode to a selected agent that performs the actual identity validation.