Institute Co-Sponsors Encryption Briefing With Rep. Lofgren

This past week the Institute, joined by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (San Jose), sponsored a demonstration and briefing on encryption and U.S. policy on encryption exports for the California Congressional Delegation. John Gage, Chief Scientist of Sun Microsystems, and Greg Garcia, Vice President for International Trade of the American Electronics Association, addressed the audience.

In her introductory remarks, Rep. Lofgren discussed H.R. 695, the Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act, which would allow for the expanded export of U.S. encryption products and which she has co-sponsored with Rep. Robert Goodlatte (VA). The bill currently has about 120 co-sponsors and has been favorably reported out by the House Judiciary Committee. The House Subcommittee on International Economic Policy and Trade is expected to mark up the bill shortly.

After Ms. Lofgren's remarks, Mr. Gage demonstrated the number of sites on the Internet that contain vast amounts of information on how to develop and use encryption technology on a personal computer and, in fact, allow a user to download strong encryption programs onto a personal computer. His demonstration was intended to show that knowledge and use of encryption is ubiquitous world-wide, and attempts by the United States to limit the export of U.S. encryption software and devices in order to prevent its use for criminal acts are futile. Rather, he made the point that law enforcement agencies can use the resources on the Internet to assist in the prevention of crime and the apprehension of criminals. Moreover, he stated that encryption is not just a protective method needed by criminal elements, but is increasingly needed by U.S. companies involved in the global marketplace, so that their employees could communicate by computer on a worldwide basis without fear of company secrets being stolen.

Mr. Garcia pointed out that of AEA's 3200 company members, over half were located in California. He explained to the audience that the Administration's desire to hold the decrypting key to all encryption information exported from the United States would not work. Extremely strong encryption products are available worldwide, and consumers would buy from foreign competitors rather than allow the U.S. government access to their encrypted communications.

Volume 4, Bulletin 20 -- June 12, 1997