Encrypting to self

[David Swarbrick]

In message <kze48FAkRTn1EwDb@reporters.net>, T Bruce Tober
<octobersdad@reporters.net> writes
>In message <Pine.SOL.3.96.980703191148.15287A-100000@flemming>, Ian
>Goodyer <goodyer@well.ox.ac.uk> writes
>>Does anyone know the current law on this?  Is it already law that I have
>>to be able to produce the plaintext of any message that I send if asked by
>>the authorities? Is 'encrypting to self' or 'keeping a copy of the
>>plaintext available' already law.  Is it peoples understanding that this
>>is proposed in the white paper? 
>
>According to David Swarbrick it is law that you must produce plaintext
>of any computer file upon request (or warrant?). I will copy your
>message to him if you like and ask him to respond and will post that
>here if he does. Let me know if you want me to.

>
>Having said all that, I suspect Nick Bohm will have the answer anyway,
>though it might be interesting to get both povs.

It is, so far as I know untested in any court. I have raised the
question over several years with many lawyers, and the interpretation is
not 100 per cent, but, is not too far off.

-- 
David Swarbrick, Solicitor. Brighouse, West Yorkshire.
Tel: +44(0)1484 722531 Fax: +44(0)484 716617 Pager 04325 349742
e-mail david@swarb.demon.co.uk
URL http://www.swarb.co.uk/swarbrick/ - home of the law-index to 8100+ cases
'damn fine webbery"