Inaccurate study quoting, Re: anti-crypto rhetoric (Ellison,

[Brian Gladman]

Hi George,

Thank you for the comments below.

From: George Foot <georgefoot@oxted.demon.co.uk>
To: ukcrypto mailing list <ukcrypto@maillist.ox.ac.uk>
Date: 04 April 1998 15:09
Subject: Re: Inaccurate study quoting, Re: anti-crypto rhetoric (Ellison,


>On Sat 04 Apr, Brian Gladman wrote:
>
>> 5. evidence to show that Key Escrow will provide benefits for society and
>> that these benefits outweigh its costs in individual, social and economic
>> terms;
>
>> If you can do this I feel sure that you will gain the widespread support
of
>> UK citizens.
>
>But surely the last statement about widespread support offends the
principle
>that you advocate -- the principle that evidence should be produced.

The 'if you can do this' is intended to say that the government must produce
the evidence first. I then go on to express a personal opinion that, if they
do, then Key Escrow would command widespread support.

I do not expect this to happen because the process of meeting the
requirements I set out will show that Key Escrow does not meet the
objectives that the government has set for it.  I am however open mided
enough to admit that I might be wrong so I am prepared to listen to the
arguments - however, without an argued case and some solid evidence all bets
are off!

>You say "I feel sure": But where is your evidence that "the widespread
support of
>UK citizens will be forthcoming" ?


This is just a view that states that when society is offered something that
is clearly to its benefit it will adopt it.

>Why should there be widespread support for something which will irksome and
>disadvantageous for most people ?   Most people are neither charitable nor
>unselfish and will not look beyond their own interests.

Filling in my annual tax return is both irksome and disadvantageous but
society still requires that I do it - all such decisions balance individual
interests against collective ones and I don't see Key Escrow being any
different in principle.

>Putting this more kindly it means that most people do not have confidence
that
>other people know what is best for them -- and they are often wise to take
such
>an attitude.


Agreed and this is why the Government has to produce the evidence - the
***if*** in my statement is a pretty big caveat.

       best regards, Brian Gladman