DTI to ban electronic export of crypto from the UK!

[Ian BROWN]

This section is also just plain unbelievable. It seems to be saying that even 
public domain software, explicitly excluded by the Wasenaar agreement, would 
be covered by these new incredibly stupid regulations.

        3.2.3 The Government has also given consideration to possible
        controls on the publication of controlled technology on electronic
        networks such as the World Wide Web (WWW). Even the
        comprehensive controls on electronic transfers proposed above would
        not cover a situation in which sensitive information (which, if
        exported, would require a licence) was posted on the electronic
        networks (at which point it would move into the public domain) where
        it would become accessible to potential proliferators. A possible
        solution to this would be to add a provision to the weapons of mass
        destruction-related offences proposed in section 3.1 above, making
        publication of controlled technology relevant to the development of
        weapons of mass destruction an offence.

GCHQ must be rubbing its hands with glee. This "Government response to the 
Scott Report" was obviously manna from heaven for them.

The 'President' says in her introduction that "We hope that all those with an 
interest in strategic export controls will take the opportunity to comment on 
the proposals contained in this White Paper." You bet.

Ian :(