karn@ka9q.bellcore.com (Phil Karn) (07/02/89)
Just before leaving for USENIX in Baltimore, I asked a good friend of mine who works for a group affiliated with NSA if he might possibly lobby for more realistic export controls on cryptographic software. I didn't really expect to get much back except perhaps a clearer understanding of the existing silly rules. So I was very surprised to learn from him just now that the recent changes with regard to cryptographic authentication systems were a direct result of his inquiries. In fact, NSA is now reviewing the whole issue of export controls on readily available cryptographic software. I understand that the mood within NSA on this subject is now much more realistic and pragmatic than it has been, and that we could likely see further improvements with time. So I guess I'll conditionally withdraw my earlier flame, and watch and wait to see how things develop. Phil