GATT and ITAR-crypto

[rishab@dxm.ernet.in]

pcw@access.digex.net (Peter Wayner):
> I want to know whether GATT will affect the export of encryption
> software. It seems to frown upon any barrier to trade and I think
> I could argue, perhaps not correctly, that if ACME in Taiwan
> can't buy the necessary encryption software to do business with
> CENTRAL in Kansas, then ACME is prevented from competing in America.
> BONEHEAD Inc, from North Dakota won't have to worry about foreign
> competition. 

Heh heh. Missiles R Us in Iran can't buy target analysis software so can't 
compete in the US cruise missile market; GD needn't bother about cheaper
Iranian labour costs.

As you correctly noted later, exceptions are made for missiles (and French
movies, and US _peanuts_) - IAC US policy is to treat crypto as munitions,
or at best 'dual-use' tech. GATT does not affect other arms treaties - NPT,
MTCR, etc...



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