Encryption as confidentiality marker

[Ben Laurie]

Ross Anderson wrote:
> 
> Ben:
> 
> > In the case of executable code, you have the recipient (the processor)
> > in your hands, so there's an implied agreement that something in your
> > possession should be able to read it. So, it is exactly the same (IMO)
> > as reading the firmware of a device I own. Which I contend I _should_
> > be allowed to do, in the same way that I should be allowed to maintain
> > my own car engine.
> 
> The nice Mr Murdoch's learned friends would disagree quite seriously
> with this view if you applied it to your Sky Digital smartcard,

Well, possibly. I suspect the interesting question is what is meant by
"maintain". If I only do to the Sky smartcard what is required to view
the stuff I've paid for, I suspect m'learned friends would have no
comment. What they take a dim view (with extreme prejudice) of is
endeavouring to get more than I have paid for. Which is fair enough,
IMO.

Cheers,

Ben.

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