Huge Cajones Remailer wrote:
" Note to paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section: A printed book or other printed material setting forth encryption source code is not itself subject to the EAR (see Sec. 734.3(b)(2)). However, notwithstanding Sec. 734.3(b)(2), encryption source code in electronic form or media (e.g., computer diskette or CD ROM) remains subject to the EAR (see Sec. 734.3(b)(3))."
What this means is that the government is afraid that a ban on printed material would be considerably more difficult to uphold in court. It's far easier for them to argue that a floppy disk is a mechinism presenting a clear and present danger than it would be to argue the same for a book.
What about a fax? That has to make things more complicated, yes?