Black Unicorn wrote:
I just get sick of those who tout themselves as Experts in Software Munitions and are in fact are merely in it for the cash. In it for the cash is just fine. Just don't tell me later you aren't.
Can't I be a supporter of strong crypto, and also be in it for the money? Many people here make good money off of crypto related work. If I'm asked to implement GAK in a situation where it is not mandated by law, I won't do it.
I read the Jim Clark statement that Jeff forwarded. It seemed noncomittal on the actual issue of whether Netscape will build a U.S.-supported GAK (as opposed to offering GAK for the Iraqis or French). I await with interest the clarification of the anti-GAK stance that Jeff alluded to.
I believe you got it with:
"If the law requires GAK, then I believe that we will implement it rather than just disable encryption."
Tim was referring to the position statement against GAK that we will be releasing before the NIST meeting next week.
Note that the phrase is entirely ambigious on whether this refers to the law requiring GAK for export, or export AND domestic sales. Netscape will install GAK into whatever will increase its sales. I understand and respect this position in the context of a company which needs badly to start raking in some profits.
What I meant, and have said in other places, is that if it is legal to ship a product without GAK for use inside the US, or anywhere else, I believe we will do it, because that is what our customers want.
The title "Software Munitions Expert" or similar such should probably be changed to "GAK marketing expert" however.
I'm sorry my dig at the ITAR does not ammuse you. Your suggested replacement would not be appropriate since I don't support GAK (I believe that it is one of the most evil things any government could do to its citizens), and I'm not in marketing. --Jeff -- Jeff Weinstein - Electronic Munitions Specialist Netscape Communication Corporation jsw@netscape.com - http://home.netscape.com/people/jsw Any opinions expressed above are mine.