Phil Karn, referring to some parallels with gun control, writes:

I really, *REALLY* hope that this argument doesn't catch on. Regardless of your opinions on gun control, you have to admit that linking crypto to weapons saddles it with an enormous amount of political baggage that we simply doesn't need. And it plays right into the hands of those in the government who consider it as a "munition" for export control purposes.

I think we already have plenty of strong arguments in defense of the right to encrypt without opening up this can of worms. It can only turn off a lot of people who would otherwise support us.

I agree. Mentioning guns raises too many confusing issues, including emotional reactions, talk of private vs. public ownership, etc. Several decades ago it might have been better received. The compelling "sound bites" revolve around these kinds of examples: - having to deposit copies of all your private letters with the authorities, "in case" they need to later read them... - not being allowed to use locks--on anything--that the government can't bypass - recording all private conversations and escrowing the tapes, just in case the government later wants to hear them - video cameras in all bedrooms to allow the police to check for illegal activities (even with proper "court orders," most people will react with shock at this suggestion) These are things that everyone can understand. And be shocked by. When they realize just how similar the "key escrow" idea is to these examples, they may get more indignant. -Tim May -- 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, smashing of governments. Higher Power: 2^756839 | Public Key: MailSafe and PGP available. Waco Massacre + Big Brother Wiretap Chip = A Nazi Regime