Wired: Echelon Furor Ends in a Whimper

[Brian Gladman]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Bird" <dave@xemu.demon.co.uk>
To: <ukcrypto@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2001 5:58 PM
Subject: Re: Wired: Echelon Furor Ends in a Whimper


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> In article <B7804AAD.9414%peter.fairbrother@ntlworld.com>, Peter
> Fairbrother <peter.fairbrother@ntlworld.com> writes
> >> I think it might not be so hard as you imagine, in some contexts.
> >> Consider what it would take to institute universal end-to-end
> >> encryption for cellphones to protect against passive eavesdropping.
> >> The technological infrastructure is well within our reach, and it
doesn't
> >> require a global PKI where every cellphone user must have a certified
> >> public key.
> >
> >
> >Implementing protections against passive-only interception is a bit like
> >installing a reinforced, fortified door and leaving the windows unlocked.
It
> >might deter the casual passerby from theft but it's not going to
seriously
> >inconvenience determined thieves. Without meaning to give offence, I
> >generally regard honest advocates of such systems as either babes in the
> >woods or ********* ******.
>
>  No, it is simply a matter of shifting the balance of power.

I agree entirely - the most significant point about end-to-end encryption is
that it puts real power in the hands of end users.

Which is, of course, precisely why past governments have fought so hard to
prevent its spread.

    Brian