rdd@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Robert Dorsett) (12/08/89)
In article <1989Dec7.174437.8999@sq.sq.com> outer@sq.com (Richard Outerbridge) writes: >>And why should someone want to limit the distribution of a DES encryptor? >> >Actually just obeying the law. Both the Excited States and Canada >prohibit the unlicensed export of cryptographic technical data, Didn't the US lift its prohibition against exporting DES in '87? >Christer is right that DES programs have been widely published and >are generally available to anyone who wants them. I seem to remember >that Sweden in particular places no restrictions on the export of >cryptographic technology; this may or may not be an enlightened attitude. >Then again, I don't think the Swedes impose many controls on the export >of artillery shells and rocket launchers (can you say Bofors?) either. I seem to recall that the Swedes are only allowed, by law, to export only production surpluses. Which makes the recent scandals all the more, er, disillusioning...:-)