My life as an international arms courier

Published: Apr 05, 2000
Updated: Apr 05, 2000
Section: Network Security Library :: Cryptography
Author:
Company: Cambridge Protocols Workshop
Printable Version
Adjust font size:
Rating: 4/5 - 1 Votes

Under an obscure provision of US law, devices and computer programs that use encryption techniques to hide information from prying eyes and ears are considered ``munitions'' and subject to the same rules that govern the international arms trade. In particular, taking such items out of this country requires the approval of the State Department, which decides whether exporting something might endanger national security. In the past, these restrictions were of little concern to the average citizen; encryption found most of its application in military and diplomatic communications equipment. Today, however, growing concern over electronic fraud and privacy means that encryption techniques are starting to find their way into more conventional commercial products like laptop computers and portable phones.

Click Here to download this article