[563] in cryptography@c2.net mail archive
Re: 56 bit crypto exportable?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Richard Bignell)
Thu Apr 17 12:24:52 1997
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 16:43:16 +0100
From: Richard Bignell <m00366@pop.sunalliance.com>
To: smith@securecomputing.com
Cc: perry@piermont.com, cryptography@c2.net
In-Reply-To: <v01540b00af7bf08148c0@[172.17.1.61]> (smith@securecomputing.com)
>>According to a story from HotWired, V-One has been allowed to export a
>>product incorporating 56 bit crypto systems without GAK being a part
>>of the design.
>
>The current rule is that 56 bit crypto is exportable if the vendor is
>in the process of developing a key escrow system. Exportable products
>are given temporary bulk licenses that can be renewed periodically
>until 1998. The periodic review verifies that the vendor is making
>progress towards implementation of their key escrow system. By 1998
>the vendor is supposed to replace the un-escrowed products with
>escrowed ones.
I'm no lawyer but my impression is that using V-One's technology the
organisation holds the keys and does not need to divulge them to the
Government, but does agree to decrypt recorded sessions on production
of a suitable warrant - just like a warrant can be issued for search
of a premises and removal of documents stored in a filing cabinet. The
law enforcement agency has to demonstrate probable cause to obtain the
warrant.
Look at http://www.v-one.com/ select "News".
Richard Bignell
Opinions etc. are my own and not those of my employer.
