Re: a quick non-technical writeup on the Clipper chip -- corrections

[composer@Beyond.Dreams.ORG (Jeff Kellem)]

Here are some minor corrections to the the non-technical writeup I posted
earlier this evening.  Note, that I also already corrected the typo
regarding how the keys were constructed.

Ignore the line numbers.. they'll be incorrect, as this is part of a larger
article.

FYI...

			-jeff

Jeff Kellem
Internet: composer@Beyond.Dreams.ORG

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        important to the privacy of that same public.
  
      o it would seem that the Government might be granting a monopoly to
!       Mykotronx, Inc. and VLSI Technology.  It's unclear whether each
!       company makes the entire chip or just parts thereof.
  
      o the key, which allows the information encrypted with this chip to
        be decrypted, is embedded in the chip
  
        [ This means that once the key is known, the chip needs to be
! 	replaced to maintain private communications.  In other words, a new
! 	encryption device, if the key is ever divulged, which could just
! 	mean a wire-tap. ]
  
      o the 80-bit key is made from the xor of two (2) 80-bit keys, which are
        kept in databases at two different escrow agencies
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        important to the privacy of that same public.
  
      o it would seem that the Government might be granting a monopoly to
!       Mykotronx, Inc. and VLSI Technology.  As far as I know, VLSI
!       fabricates the chip and Mykotronx programs the keys into it.
  
      o the key, which allows the information encrypted with this chip to
        be decrypted, is embedded in the chip
  
        [ This means that once the key is known, the chip needs to be
! 	replaced to maintain private communications.  This would usually
! 	mean replacing the entire device (e.g. telephone), anytime that
! 	the key was divulged, whether legally or not.  The key is also
! 	transmitted along with your encrypted data, so that law enforcement
! 	can obtain it, which would allow them to decrypt your data without
! 	your knowledge. ]
  
      o the 80-bit key is made from the xor of two (2) 80-bit keys, which are
        kept in databases at two different escrow agencies
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  for international distribution.
  
  On the other hand, there are too many things about the announcement which
! are bothersome and need to be discussed publicly.  Some of these items
! have been mentioned above.  I recommend talking with your local
! congressman, writing letters, and discussing this with friends.
  
  Both the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Computer
  Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) have made public statements
! against the announcement.  The CPSR has filed Freedom of Information Act
  (FOIA) requests regarding the plan.
  
  Online discussions of the announcement have been occurring all over the
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  for international distribution.
  
  On the other hand, there are too many things about the announcement which
! are bothersome and need to be discussed publicly.  Some of these items have
! been mentioned above.  The Clipper Chip basically seems like it might
! provide privacy from some people, but not from the government.  I recommend
! talking with your local congressman, writing letters, and discussing this
! with friends.
  
  Both the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Computer
  Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) have made public statements
! against the announcement.  The EFF supports the idea of reviewing
! cryptographic and privacy policies, but believes that the Clipper Chip
! announcement was premature and should be delayed until after the overall
! review and discussion.  The CPSR has filed Freedom of Information Act
  (FOIA) requests regarding the plan.
  
  Online discussions of the announcement have been occurring all over the