Surprise, surprise: American citizens and businesses don't want the government snooping through their private correspondence. Under the Clinton administration's Clipper II data-encryption proposal, US companies would be allowed to export strong encryption technology only if they hold decryption keys in escrow for use by law enforcement agencies. But on November 8, an industry group sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Technology rejected Clipper II in a letter that argued the plan represents "an unworkable limit on the level of security available" that "will not be viable in the domestic and international marketplace." Meanwhile, the Taxpayer Coalition for Computer Privacy - an ad hoc group representing conservative organizations like the National Rifle Association - sent Newt Gingrich a similar letter denouncing the plan.
Rejected by civil liberties groups and spurned by industry, Clipper II is limping toward Waterloo. To find out how you can help deliver the coup de grace, go to www.cdt.org/crypto.html. -
Todd Lappin
ELECTRIC WORD
Representative Barr Thwarts Louis the Lurker
A Fish, a Barrel, and a Smoking Gun
Citizens 2 — Clipper 0
