Status of Cryptography Research in implementation of the EUCD

[Owen Lewis]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ukcrypto-admin@chiark.greenend.org.uk
> [mailto:ukcrypto-admin@chiark.greenend.org.uk]On Behalf Of Neil McEvoy
> Sent: 16 August 2002 12:53
> To: ukcrypto@chiark.greenend.org.uk
> Subject: Re: Status of Cryptography Research in implementation of the
> EUCD
>
> > .....then users and potential users of the copy protection scheme are
> > > protected from undue reliance on a flawed technique. For me, the
> > > case is not
> > > so clear as to restrict anyone's right to free speech.
> >
> > 'Free speech' is not ever untrammelled.
> >
>
> Indeed. But my position, implied above, is that it should only be
> trammelled
> where there is a consensus that there is a compelling reason so
> to do. Your
> proposed restriction on free speech fails my consensus test,
> insofar as most
> contributors to this thread (including me, as it happens) do not find your
> argument compelling.

You mistake the point. The point is that the trammelling of free speech is
best set by self discipline, both in the interest of others and also out of
self-interest. Where self-discipline is insufficiently present or it is
subordinated to more compelling forces, then the law *may* have to intervene
to protect the fair interests of others.

Again there is no point of principle here other than that the law should
exist to regulate our dealings one with another where clear harm will result
without such regulation. All else is conditional.

Owen