1994-04-12 - Clipper Chips in video descramblers

Header Data

From: koontzd@lrcs.loral.com (David Koontz )
To: cypherpunks@toad.com
Message Hash: 56d0e3a226d3563d6272847c92d54011499659c4a33303ba79ad76d5eba21efd
Message ID: <9404121822.AA28517@io.lrcs.loral.com>
Reply To: N/A
UTC Datetime: 1994-04-12 18:23:03 UTC
Raw Date: Tue, 12 Apr 94 11:23:03 PDT

Raw message

From: koontzd@lrcs.loral.com (David Koontz )
Date: Tue, 12 Apr 94 11:23:03 PDT
To: cypherpunks@toad.com
Subject: Clipper Chips in video descramblers
Message-ID: <9404121822.AA28517@io.lrcs.loral.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain



Recently someone posted reference to GI (General Instruments) getting
authority to use Clipper chips in descramblers.  One wonders about
motivation on their part.  ITAR already exempts the use of crypto
in video descramblers where the crypto cannot be used for other purposes.

DES is already used in descramblers such as the Video Cypher II, and
can be exported under commodity jurisdiction.  It is unlikely that
anyone is going to spend the money to break DES keys and redistribute
pirate authorization.  The chances of discovery are too large.

So, what is their motivation?





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