They assume everything is illegal and self police because that's what the tyrant programmed them to do.

Same effect in HN comments also. Many people hold back from expressing their real views here because they are afraid to run afoul of the Flag Police.

They actually did change that law. Citizens of the Great Empire are now required to identify themselves to any cop who asks their name. For the childrens.

The "show him your government ID which you are now required to keep on you" part hasn't yet been instated, but it's coming. That will be introduced along with a whole heap of other big anti-freedom changes (like Central Bank Digital Currency) during the coming World War.