Key Escrow a *GAD* thing

[Black Unicorn <unicorn@access.digex.net>]

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From: an4914@anon.penet.fi (Nitch)
Date: Thu,  2 Dec 1993 12:48:19 UTC
Subject: The Key Escrow is a *GOOD* thing.
 
 
I see the introduction of common, publicly promoted cryptography as a
*GOOD* thing... even if it's insecure.  Yes, even if the government can
read every toggled bit of it.
 
If the public uses cryptography of even the simplest sort as a matter
of routine then the *REAL* cryptography, the really *SECURE* stuff, will
pass through unnoticed.  Why would *I* care if some super-secret agency
could read my clipper'd data?  I'd be using PGP on top of it! only then
my messages wouldn't stand out like so many lights in a dark night...
...more like just a few more stars in the sky.
 
 
+++
 
No insult intended "Nitch," but it is obvious that you haven't been much 
involved in politics.
 
What you want is security by obscurity.  The problem is that such 
security is illusory.
 
I don't care what the administration says about the program being 
voluntary.  The centralization of encryption, which is what this program 
is, is a *BAD* thing.  (to use your emphasis)  It is NOT a 
standardization in the strict sense and the only thing that makes me 
think otherwise in the slightest degree is the fact that AT&T is doing 
the manufacturing (read: there is nothing that makes me think the other 
way).
 
The easiest way for a large organization to take away major rights, or to 
curb the development of major rights is to attack them slowly.  Right 
after everyone "adopts" this "voluntary" standard, it will be that much 
easier to require compliance.  Where will private crypto development be?
You will indeed be using PGP2.x on top of Clipper, even 50 years from now 
when it is entirely behind the times.  Why?  Because Clipper will close 
the valve on private development.  I hope I'm being overly paranoid.  I 
really do.
 
Consider the administrations real stated purpose.  (This is my wording, 
but _their_ goal.)  To harmonize the needs of law enforcement with the 
(cryptographic) privacy of citizens.  (We want to read your mail)  Not 
mentioned the thefact that this is like trying to harmonize sodium and 
water.  If (when) they find they can't read your mail, they are going to 
be as upset as a spoiled child on christmas morning in a recession.
You really think they are going to invest so much time and effort in a 
program that is so easily and plainly circumvented.
[Begin political rant here]
 
I suppose now is the time to harp on the trend against individual rights.  
Call me a formalist, I just think most people want to live, conduct 
business, relax, recreate, procreate and exist in general while being 
generally _left alone_.  I expect government to provide infrastructure 
and support private development of infrastructure where it is most 
efficient (the so called data highway in particular).  I do not expect, 
or want government to legislate morality, unreasonably impose a majority 
(which is almost always an oligarchy, and not a majority) on the 
remainder, gege nerally intervene in my private and legimate a affairs.  
Clipper is simply invasionary.
 
- -uni- (Dark)
 
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