[trial.misc.legal.software] CRYPTOGRAPHIC PROTECTION OF DATA

brnstnd@stealth.acf.nyu.edu (05/30/90)

In article <24886@usc.edu> annala@neuro.usc.edu (A J Annala) writes:
> Where can I obtain authoritative information on the laws, regulations, and
> agencies responsible for controlling the dissemination of cryptographic
> software and techniques for public consumption.  I am working on a number
> of cryptographic data transmission and software protection products ... I
> don't want to unintentionally piss off some nasty government agency.

The statutes and regulations are in your library, as the United States
Code and the (Combined, with different numbering) Federal Regulations.
Among other things, they'll give you pointers to the agencies in charge
of administering those laws. Then you can write to Washington and start
asking more specific questions.

Cryptography is a particularly fuzzy area; many people say that the
government's sticking its hands into areas where it doesn't belong.
Anyway, I'd say your best bet is to acquaint yourself with some NSA
folks and run your products by them. (The worst (best?) that happens is
that they'll hire you. :-) )

Any details on your products? Certainly you can give the world a general
description...

Followups to trial.misc.legal.software, which will advance to
misc.legal.software if it gets enough readership.

---Dan