At 1:14 AM 1/27/96, Anonymous wrote:

I think a better prediction for the implications of strong crypto is what I would call "weak cryptoanarchy." That is, cryptography will allow virtual communities the option to exist ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ without the possibility of inteference by force. Certainly some virtual communities, such as moderated discussion groups, will opt to have formal or informal governments. The key is that people will have the choice of participating in communities where physical violence will be absolutely powerless.

Stated in this form, cryptoanarchy is hardly controversial. Plus, this weak form of cryptoanarchy has a much better chance of being realized, because it does not require the collapse of existing governments, only the creation of new communities ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ without governments. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The paper which Prof. Denning was responding to was my paper, "Crypto Anarchy and Virtual Communities." Seems like I anticipated your point. --Tim May Boycott espionage-enabled software! We got computers, we're tapping phone lines, we know that that ain't allowed. ---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---------:---- Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay@got.net 408-728-0152 | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero W.A.S.T.E.: Corralitos, CA | knowledge, reputations, information markets, Higher Power: 2^756839 - 1 | black markets, collapse of governments. "National borders aren't even speed bumps on the information superhighway."