Timothy C. May writes:
[Explanation of why Clipper will be prevalent in five years deleted.]
Mr. May's arguments are eloquent and convincing as usual, but it occurs to me that one important point is being overlooked in this discussion: the algorithm will not be a secret forever. Even in the worst case scenario, where all major players in the industry knuckle under to the government (including those currently planning to use other systems), the situation will be resolved as soon as either Clipper or one of its designers is reverse-engineered. The more widespread is the chip, the greater the blow to the government. With the algorithm known there is no way to prevent compatible, non-escrowed, devices from being used, and it would be costly and embarrassing to attempt to recall 100 million "secure" chips. So, how long will we likely have to put up with this abomination? Regards, Patrick May (no known relation, tentacular or otherwise)