Hey cypherfolks. It seems to me that the fundemental issue of the acceptability of key escrow is not getting debated well enough in the mainstream media. The Clipper debate keeps getting framed in terms of `who will be the escrow agencies' or `how secure is the algorithm really' or whatever. Also, I'm a bit disappointed in both EFF and CPSR not coming out with firm positions *against* key escrow systems in general (CPSR spokesman: `I don't want to sound too stridently opposed...'). We have something of a void. The problem is that the stance is seen as anti-law enforcement by these organizations (or they are afraid it will be perceived that way). Anyway, as part of the propaganda effort, I am proposing starting a new `group' called the Citizens Against Key Escrow. (Now, don't get too excited.) To start out, what would be ideal is just a document describing Clipper, a lot of anti-Clipper propaganda, and the appended *signatures* of everyone who is a `member' of CAKE and affirms the position `unlimited and unrestricted use of strong cryptography is an inalienable right.' Please do *not* mail me saying that you want to sign it. I'm not ready. In particular, I'd like to propose that a patriotic cypherpunk set up a mini-email server to handle signature additions, so that people can send automated messages. Then, when this is posted to sci.crypt and circulated to every dark corner of Cyberspace, the ability to handle the traffic will be automatic, and hopefully we will collect *many* signors. (Yes, there could be tricky authentication issues with names. I would like to see the utmost attention given to the veracity of signors if possible. If `David Sternlight' makes it to the list we know its fake, and people could criticize it on that ground. Maybe some way to `contest signatures' via email--if a signature is contested it is removed?) By the way, the supposed `comprehensive policy review' blared in the Clipper announcement by the Clinton adminstration regarding cryptographic policies (export, freedom of use, etc.) is rumored to be over in mid-September. Surprise, they haven't contacted us yet! This document would be something tangible to present and herald to them *prior* to a big ugly hand-me-down announcement. If we got press coverage of our view, saying that we're being excluded, that these are the real issues at stake, and then the real announcement came out shortly thereafter with all the inevitable bad news, it would be a great PR coup. Anyway, here are some propaganda items that will be included in the final document if this actually happens. I'd really appreciate if anyone would contribute *specific* paragraphs. (I've never really gotten great response from this kind of query, despite a lot of lip service and excitement, and judging by the current Cypherpunk FAQ this is not uncommon, but I'm the eternal optimist.) - Description of Clipper - Emphatic terms: we think Skipjack could be a strong algorithm, but key escrow is inappropriate for a civilized cyberspatial society - of course, we're not against law enforcement in general! we just believe that just as the government currently has the capability to wiretap insecured communications, the public has a right to thwart wherever it wants with it secured - Debate on security of key agencies, who will be `it' etc. are smokescreen decoys by the NSA - Indications that key escrow is not the actual fundamental motivation of Clipper, from FOIA documents (the classification of the national security reasons), the rather pathetic circumlocutions about vaults and the agencies, etc. - Maybe a little history of NSA and the abuses from Bamford - Jefferson as cryptographic innovator, other revolutionaries requiring anonymity and security in their writing - Constitutional issues: freedom of speech and illegal search & seizure - cryptographic device export restriction by the NSA - Quotes from the FBI and NSA: cryptography is like nitroglycerin, we might have a lot of dead bodies lying around, all the waffling quotes about whether cryptography should be regulated, etc. If you have anything on the above, please send it! In particular I need `mini-essays'. This is another project that everyone can contribute to and prove we're not just a bunch of listless, noisy, inconsequential nihilists. (Once again, my optimism overshadows my memory.)