[Previous] [Next] [Index] [Thread]

Re: encryption export bill

On Tue, 7 May 1996, Prince, Cheryl wrote:

> 
>According to an article in last week's Wall Street Journal, Sen. Conrad Burns 
>planned to introduce a new bill that would ease fed government's crypto export 
>rules. 

The sponsors are Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT), Bob Dole (R-KS),
Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Larry Pressler (R-SD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and
Patty Murray (D-WA).  Sen. Burns wrote it and introduced it to the
Senate.

>
>I'm aware that various groups and individuals have been pushing for a change in
>the export laws for some time now. So I'm looking to find out what's new about 
>this bill and what the realistic chances are for its passage. Does anyone have 
>any additional information on this or know where I could find some?

Try http://www.cdt.org/crypto/pro_CODE.htm

The bill is entitled the "Promotion of Commerce On-Line in the Digital
Era (Pro-CODE) Act of 1996" Senate bill S.1726.

>Assuming there is news here, I'm also interested in hearing thoughts about this
>bill and its significance (or lack thereof, as the case may be) from any of you
>who follow this area and have an interest in commenting. 

The Clinton Administration has already been put on record as opposing
any legislation that give the people stronger encryption.  A recent
poll of congress shows that even if it does pass both houses, it would
not have the support of two-thirds of the members which would be 
needed to override the anticipated presidential veto.

There are other problems--all political rather than technical.  I would
love to see it pass (with very minor modifications).  However,
considering Clinton's stance on the issue, I am not holding my breath!

scott barman
--
scott barman                  DISCLAIMER: I speak to anyone who will listen,
scott@disclosure.com                      and I speak only for myself.
barman@ix.netcom.com
"... [witness for the defense Dan] Olsen [of BYU] testified that, because the
 government was involved in the initial development of the Internet, he
 believes that the government has a role in determining appropriate technical
 standards for content labeling." (Dr. Olsen must not have read "1984" -sb)
      - quoted from Citizens Internet Empowerment Coalition Trial Update No. 9
        Re: ACLU, et. al. v. Reno on the constitutionality of the CDA
References: