I think the root problem is that modern governments aren't trustworthy with our freedom of speech, which leads people to try to hide their perfectly legitimate free speech activity, but criminals want to hide too so it's an inherently dodgy proposition. The only really good solution is to fix the governments so we can have an era where people can feel free to exercise their freedom of speech without repercussion from barbarians.
No, the root problem is not modern governments, it’s modern social norms. Which, frankly, aren't a problem, they just are. That is why anonymity and security are important, despite the government's position (which will often reflect social norms). Try to engage in unpopular speech and then later apply for a job. Or simply try to be a public figure whilst trying to have some privacy.
There will always be a place for these tools because there will always be people not just governments, who disagree with you and are willing to show you how much.
So, you actually think that social norms are not a problem? Seriously? What about the norms that led Galileo to house arrest, or many to being burned at the stake, etc. etc.?
I think it's a pointless exercise. They just "are", simple as that. Problem or not, there's no point in trying to judge a society by some arbitrary set of rules that really don't understand how it got there or why those norms exist.
My point is that if you feel they are a problem then you need tools to protect yourself while you work to change those "root causes".
It's not "arbitrary" to decide e.g. that German society should not put Jews into a gas chamber. Your ideas here of not judging norms are just deranged and you should fix that, just like societies that have accepted deranged norms should fix them. You may think my standards here are arbitrary but you need to fix that.
The Nazis made sure to eliminate anyone who would obviously be opposed to their goals well before they implemented them on a national scale. That had two important effects: it silenced the voices that would decry them, and had a chilling effect on the rest of the populace.
Hence, why anonymous speech is important. You cannot influence the norms of a society that will kill you or otherwise ostracize you for voicing opposition to them.
Also, if you feel the best way to make your point is to Godwin the topic, it's time to take a step back.
