From: Lucky Green <shamrock@netcom.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 1996 19:24:25 -0800 (PST)
To: "Timothy C. May" <cypherpunks@toad.com
Subject: Official Prediction [was:Re: New export controls to include code signing applications]
Message-ID: <3.0.32.19961211192429.006a5f14@netcom14.netcom.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/enriched

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
Make your mark in the history of mathematics. Use the spare cycles of
your PC/PPC/UNIX box to help find a new prime.
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/justforfun/prime.htm