Sunday's NYTMagazine had an amusing bit in its "Sunday" column, titled: HTIJX KTW PNIX "The scrambling and decoding of electronic communication is one of the hottest issues in cyberpolitics. The Government would like to have the key to all communications. Export of cryptographic software is restricted. Both software companies and independent groups like the Cypherpunks argue for the rights of individual privacy." "All of which makes Microsoft's new Creative Writer software for children intriguing. It includes some primitive cryptographic tools to enable kids to encode what they write ... to hide it from curious siblings and F.B.I. agents." What surprised me was the next line -- "Theoretically, this product would come under export restrictions, even though the code would not challenge a spy, let alone a bright 9-year-old." After explaining what a Caesar substitution cipher is, the bit goes on to note that "Presumably, Microsoft will not face any difficulties in exporting its product even though it comes from the K.G.B. (Kids Games Business) at Microsoft. On the other hand, it does instruct the youth of America in the basics of electronic privacy." In case you're wondering, the encrypted phrase is "Codes for Kids." Lee Tien