Crypto, Right to privacy, International standards

[Jim Choate <ravage@ssz.com>]

Forwarded message:

> From: pgut001@cs.auckland.ac.nz
> Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 18:57:07 +1200 (NZST)
> Subject: New paper on crypto regulation and the right to privacy available
> 
>   The notion of a right to privacy of citizens in their communications is
>   discussed in the context of an international movement by governments towards
>   regulation of cryptography, and consideration of key forfeiture systems in
>   national cryptography use.  The authors argue that the right to privacy in
>   communications networks is an issue of major importance, assuring freedom of
>   the individual in national and global communications.  Regulation and control
>   of cryptography use on the Internet by national governments may lead to an
>   imbalance in the citizen/government power relationship, with sequelae
>   including unprecedented surveillance of citizens, disruption of international
>   commerce due to lack of powerful cryptography (and lack of standardisation),
>   human rights abuses by less democratic or non-democratic governments, and
>   limiting of the political potential of an Internet global political system.
>  

Doesn't the United Nations (UN) have some sort of statement about this? I
have a vague recollection that it says something about individuals having
a right to communicate with others including those outside their own
countries.

                                                       Jim Choate
                                                       ravage@ssz.com