Patrick E. Hykkonen Inquired: Could someone please define a 'data haven'? I understand digitial cash, it is exactly what it sounds like. However, in the context I've heard data haven used in, then there is much more than simply keeping one's data encrypted on your local hard drive. Webster's Seventh New Coll. Dict.: Haven: 1: HARBOR, PORT 2: A place of safety :ASYLUM My analysis: A "data haven" is some entity where data can be placed and have some assurance against either accidental or deliberate destruction. Encrypted data on your hard disk is safe enough against -disclosure-, but is very vulnerable to destruction, either accidental or deliberate. Certain individuals and governments have such strong views on certain forms of data that they will destroy them if they even suspect encryption is hiding such data. A data haven would ensure such data could not be destroyed without permission of its owner. The owner might or might not permit distribution of the data either free or for a fee. Examples of data at risk for deliberate destruction: Pornography, especially child ponography. According to recent news, a BBS in Denmark (Holland?) may be a data haven for that. Politically incorrect programs. For example, the German government is trying (and may have succeeded) to destroy all copies of a game program called "Concentration Camp Commander". This was on the news a few months ago. The USA would be a data haven for this program, generally speaking, since as political speach it would be protected by the First Amendment. (But I don't know if any copies have ever made it here; I net-chat with a few people in Europe & none of them have ever heard of it.) -- edgar@spectrx.saigon.com (Edgar W. Swank) SPECTROX SYSTEMS +1.408.252.1005 Cupertino, Ca