On Thu, 23 Jan 1997 17:32:56 GMT, you wrote:

This is surprising, given that (in Kahn on Codes) Mr. Kahn expressed forceful opinions

- against certain aspects of export controls,

- questioning the value of the NSA's mission, in contrast to social demands on government revenues.

I didn't find his opinions forceful in Codebreakers, 2nd. ed. Questioning the NSA's purpose vs. advoctating GAK are not incompatible.

However, while I oppose making key escrow mandatory in general, and share the general suspicion of a voluntary Clipper, if Mr. Kahn's support for Clipper is limited to cellular telephones, then I have no quarrel with such a position.

Encryption is illegal, without special permission, for use over the airwaves, particularly where mobile radio is involved. This is a long-standing restriction, and not unreasonable. Private communication between people at home is one thing, but allowing criminals to closely coordinate their activities on the move is another. [..]

The problem is the technology is merged. What if you're using cellular links to your ISP, and use SSL or ssh or PGP? Radio is being advocated as a possible solution to some of the net's bandwidth problems. Rob