The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto

The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto
Mark Rasch, 2003-03-03

The Justice Department's plan to make routine encryption illegal in the hands of criminals will hurt law abiding citizens, and prove catastrophic for Internet security.

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oops 2003-03-03
Anonymous

looks like they forgot to criminalize the compiler.
it can be used to make weapons of mass destruction and
other goods banned in the usa....

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-03
Gimmelots

Mark, You have hit the nail on the head with your column. The knee-jerk reaction of realizing that we allowed 9/11 to happen is bad enough, but now with the proposed laws regarding crypto, guess what...we're on our way to becoming a police state fast. Prosecutors will use every damn weapon in their...

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-03
Anonymous

I'm beginning to think it may soon be time to move to Canada. OpenSSH, eh?...

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-03
ACanadian

I agree with the writer. Applying additional criminal charges probably began with the additional weight given to the use of a gun during a crime and it probably sounded right when it was done.

Crypto is ubiquitous now, used routinely by law abiding citizens. Criminalizing it's use under any circ...

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-03
Anonymous (2 replies)

While the government may be overreacting, it?s hard to stand on your soapbox and accuse them of such while you yourself attempt to use the same tactics you criticize them for.
Your article(s) are written with the intention to instill fear in the reader and fill them with distrust and conspiracy th...

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Conspiracy Theories and Fear 2003-03-04
Mark Rasch (2 replies)

It was the author's intention to invoke fear, but no conspiracy theory. When vague and overbroad laws are adopted, they are invariably used in ways they were not intended, and courts routinely approve such use. DOJ could have written a law that enhanced punishment for the intentional use of crypto...

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Conspiracy Theories and Fear 2003-03-04
James

There are two takes on this.

1) The government is obviously attempting to extend their reach by criminalizing normal behavior. OK, I guess that is possible - perhaps even probable for some "G Men." However it is a fairly transparent attempt that will have potential economic affects (Amazon, you...

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Conspiracy Theories and Fear 2003-03-05
Anonymous

To quote someone I cannot remember the whole concept of America's might and ability to solve problems is crystallised in this statement.

If you have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

I begin to wonder how far back into the prehistoric times the dinosaurs in charge of America are going...

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-05
Anonymous

"Let us not forget, you are the government."

...if you happen to be rich enough to make large campaign contributions. Otherwise your influence is minimal at best.
...

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The Consequences of Criminalizing Crypto 2003-03-04
Anonymous

Only positive thing about criminalizing crypto would be if someone could demonstrate that Microsoft used crypto (either S/MIME or SSL) to conceal its illegal anti-competitive practices. Then we could throw Bill in jail for 5 years....

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Terror paranoia and end of democracy 2003-03-05
foreigner

In my opinion criminalizing encryption is not just counterproductive, it is entirely useless. What does it achieve? With current US laws that already provide ridiculously high sentences for almost any kind of crime extra few years in jail for murderer or terrorist for the use of encryption will ofte...

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