Encryption Legislation

On September 24 the House Commerce Committee approved a revised version of
the Security and Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act. The revision is an
amendment that proposes the establishment of a technology center to help
law enforcement officials with encrypted data. The Commerce Committee
rejected an amendment, proposed by Representatives Michael Oxley (R-Ohio)
and Thomas Manton (D-NY), that would have required all encryption software
to include "trapdoor" access for government or law enforcement officials.
High-tech executives, Internet groups, civil libertarians, and academics
banded together to show their opposition to the proposed amendment by
making phone calls and sending letters and email messages to the Commerce
Committee.

The SAFE bill is intended to relax export controls on encryption
technology. Currently, US citizens and companies are not regulated in the
type of encryption devices they develop. Encryption is strictly controlled
only when applied to exports. The US government cites national security
concerns, and fear of terrorists and criminals encrypting information and
keeping law enforcement from monitoring their activities. Passage of the
SAFE bill would make it easier for companies to export encryption
technologies.

The Commerce Committee has a role in deciding the future of encryption
regulation because encryption is used to protect information exchanged in
purchases made over the Internet. Many businesses are concerned about the
issue as they try to come up with secure and standardized ways for safe
commerce on the World Wide Web. Encryption technology is also used to
ensure private communication by telephone or computer, certifying the
identity of an individual, and transmission of military secrets.

More information on encryption can be found on the Electronic Frontier
Foundation Web Page and The Encryption Policy Resource Page.

Also check the recent article in InfoWorld.