Official Prediction [was:Re: New export controls to include code signing applications]

[Lucky Green <shamrock@netcom.com>]

At 05:34 PM 12/11/96 -0800, Timothy C. May wrote:
>They're really looking desperate, aren't they? They try to limit the export
>of crypto software, they try to limit the export of anything with "hooks"
>for adding crypto outside the U.S., they try to limit export of crypto
>knowledge, and here they're even trying to limit _signing_ software?

They have a very simple bottom line. Ban strong crypto. Eliminate loopholes. 

>What's next? Maybe they'll try to limit the dispensing of _legal advice_ by
>U.S. attorneys to foreign clients.
>(I keep using the phrase "they try to" becuase obviously few of these
>schemes to keep the horses in the barn will work.)

Official Prediction (For new readers of this list, once in a while I make an "official prediction". That means the reader is urged to call me on it and, yes, I take bets):

The US will make the following acts illegal and or subject to licensing within two years:
1. Production of strong crypto for sale abroad by a subsidiary of a US corporation.
2. Production of strong crypto for sale abroad, if the project is financed by a US corporation. Alternatively, US companies might be prohibited to financially benefit from such a product.

I am not saying that these acts will be prohibited in all cases. I am saying that they will be prohibited in some cases.





-- Lucky Green <mailto:shamrock@netcom.com> PGP encrypted mail preferred
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