YAA (yet another article)

[Paul Ferguson]

ComputerWorld
June 14, 1993
Volume 27, Number 24
pages 73,74
 
Enterprise Networking
 
Commentary
 
All Eyes On Clipper
by Gary H. Anthes
 
If any conclusion can be drawn from the cacophony of conflicting
views put forth at a recent public hearing on government-sponsored
encryption technology, it is that the Clinton administration should
slow down and take a closer look at Clipper.
 
Clipper is the government's attempt to give law enforcers the ability
to unscramble coded messages from suspected criminals while
guaranteeing constitutional safeguards to legitimate users. To do
that, a secret algorithm embedded in a chip will use
encryption/decryption keys maintained "in escrow" by two
government-approved agencies and subject to use in wiretaps only via
court order.
 
The first image brought to mind when presented with the key-escrow
concept is that of a digital Big Brother, able to siphon off
electronic secrets from anyone not in favor with the establishment.
Stanford University Professor Martin E. Hellman says former Attorney
General John Mitchell was in the habit of handing down blank but
signed wiretap authorizations, 40 to 50 at a pop, rather than
personally reviewing each request as required by law. "Two escrow
authorities do little good if only one court order is required,"
Hellmman contends.
 
The government has done little so far to put those fears to rest or to