Paul Baclace writes:

Well, I'm glad to hear that use of color copiers isn't highly restricted, although there seems to be a good amount of misinformation (probably intentional from the SS).

This is an example of a technology that cannot be controlled so the government uses warnings and threats. Similarly, (non-escrow) crypto could end up like this: penalties could be applied if it is used for illegal activity. If such a law were proposed, it would be difficult to oppose it on the basis of freedom of expression.

There was a very good PBS show, probably on "Nova," about modern counterfeiting methods and what various countries are doing about it (embedded fibers, special papers, holograms, etc.). High-res color scanners (600 dpi minimum) are used to forge paychecks, traveller's checks, and currency. The scanner allows the forger to use packages like Photoshop to adjust serial numbers, payee names, etc. Minor touch-ups, etc. Pretty hard to control availability of these systems, and pretty hard to force "hidden messages" to be (somehow) embedded in the final output. My personal guess is that these problems will accelerate the conversion to government-mandated "digital money," albeit not of a Chaumian sort and certainly not of the sort many of us favor. A way to handle transfer payments (AFDC, SS, veterans, etc.), to reduce fraud and theft, etc. Perhaps merged with the "National ID smartcard" being talked about for the new national health care system? We've debated this a couple of times (I'm not saying don't debate it now, just letting folks know the history...). Duncan Frissell has argued persuasively that the many advantages of cash will keep it common. Maybe. In any case, something to think about. --Tim May (according to Dettweiler, "List TRAITOR YYY" :-} ) -- .......................................................................... Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay@netcom.com | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero 408-688-5409 | knowledge, reputations, information markets, W.A.S.T.E.: Aptos, CA | black markets, collapse of governments. Higher Power: 2^756839 | Public Key: PGP and MailSafe available. Note: I put time and money into writing this posting. I hope you enjoy it.