[3246] in cryptography@c2.net mail archive
Re: Computer hard disc scanning by HM Customs & Excise
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Vin McLellan)
Tue Aug 25 15:47:52 1998
In-Reply-To: <35E2D198.D5916710@stud.uni-muenchen.de>
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998 15:00:05 -0400
To: Mok-Kong Shen <mok-kong.shen@stud.uni-muenchen.de>
From: Vin McLellan <vin@shore.net>
Cc: cryptography@c2.net
>> Again, C&E to the Electronic Telegraph: "So far as we are
>> concerned, there is no difference between an encrypted file and a locked
>> suitcase,"
Mok-Kong Shen <mok-kong.shen@stud.uni-muenchen.de> wrote:
>Could someone tell what would would happen if currently one sends an
>encrypted file to or from UK over the net? If that is allowed, what
>the customs officers are actually doing?
Well, some might say you have the nub of the issue right there --
and many can offer suggestions about what the C&E inspectors are _actually_
doing. Given that anyone can still download an encrypted file off a server
anywhere in the world from London (at least, until the TTP brigade takes
over and demands only GAK-enabled crypto be used) any attempt to stem
traffic in illicit files at the borders seems futile.
Still, that's overlooking a lot of political chits to be gained in
rousing the forces of the state against the smut merchants -- particularly
in recent years, (recent months,) when such horrendous crimes against
children have been widely associated with a particular type of smut in
Europe. I don't think this will change. I don't think voters in democratic
states will ever say don't bother to track or prosecute cretins who hurt or
exploit children.
What I hope is that they may realize that they have to give up too
much -- for much too little -- when they go about it this way.
Too much in their own liberties, revered traditions, in handling
even foreigners so. Too much in reputation, as the UK becomes known as a
country which "routinely" uses police-state "memory-drains" on innocent
travellers, businessmen as well as tourists, who fit some general "profile."
Too much in the loss to their economy as smart companies come to
avoid Britain -- rather than have to negotiate special C&E procedures to
assure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive corporate data files
a touring CEO, director, auditor, buyer, etc., will demand to carry.
-----
Vin McLellan + The Privacy Guild + <vin@shore.net>
53 Nichols St., Chelsea, MA 02150 USA <617> 884-5548
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