US Mass Market Crypto Exportable

[Owen Lewis]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ukcrypto-admin@chiark.greenend.org.uk
> [mailto:ukcrypto-admin@chiark.greenend.org.uk]On Behalf Of Brian Gladman
> Sent: 12 June 2002 21:26
> To: UK Crypto Posting
> Subject: Re: US Mass Market Crypto Exportable
>
>
> From: "Owen Lewis" <oml@sysrx.uk.com>
> To: <ukcrypto@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
> Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 11:48 AM
> Subject: RE: US Mass Market Crypto Exportable
>
>
> > You continue to miss the point.
> [snip]
>
> The point, which you have changed into something entirely different, is
> whether or not there are any UK export controls on cryptographic source
> code.

I think not. The point that was being addressed - albeit somewhat
obliquely - was the rationale of refusing education in cryptographic
techniques to foreign nationals whose nations are subject to an embargo on
the supply of DUEC materials. I hope that is the clarification you need.

Your point re. the control of the exportation of crypto source code thus far
remains unaddressed. It's not a matter which I have looked at in detail.
However, from memory, my office copy of ECO states that software may be so
controlled if it exists in any tangible form. I would take this to assume
that it one carries the code in one's head, as line-by-line memorisation,
there is no control on exportation. However, if the code is recorded in
tangible form, which would include printed paper or electro-magnetic
storage, then it is so controlled.  However, as you know, there are now
large exceptions to the controls, most especially for crypto material which
is in to the public domain or which is supplied to the mass market.

I claim no particular authority for this interpretation beyond a natural use
of the language. If there is more to add, I'd be delighted to hear it.
>
> Now if you wish to return to this _specific_ point, I will join the debate
> provided I have something to contribute.

I hope that, at last, I have now addressed the point which you would have
liked me to address.

> But I won't debate the relationship between this issue and the UN because,
> in my view, there is none of any significance.

Any relationship could depend on whether the supply of specific code in any
material form is covered by DUEC. As outlined above, in some cases I think
it would be and in others not.

Owen