[free-sklyarov] Encryption position paper

[Martin Baker]

On Fri, 14 Sep 2001, Karsten M. Self wrote:

> on Fri, Sep 14, 2001 at 01:14:00PM -0400, proclus at iname.com (proclus at iname.com) wrote:

> > I'm working on a position paper on encryption today.
> > 
> > http://gnu-darwin.sourceforge.net/war.html
> > 
> > All suggestions welcome.
> 
> Well considered.
> 
> Worth its own discussion thread IMO.

I had a problem with the last paragraph, about how governments might get
warrants and demand private keys, etc. This has happened in the UK, with
the RIP (Regulation of Investigative Powers - which, of course,
increases police power) bill. If the government asks, you must turn over
private keys, and you may not tell anyone. If you tell anyone, you can be
jailed. This would happen even if you, as an employee of a company, told
your superiors that you had been forced to turn over company keys to the
police. I don't think we need any legislation like that, thank you very
much.

I also think the argument can be made without reference to a "war" which
has not been declared against an enemy which has not been named. Accepting
the government's argument that "national security" is paramount is going
to be used against you.

Peace,
Martin