iOM: 128 bit Browser Encryption An Internet Resource Page by: Bob in Houston

To get a feel for the details about encryption, read on. Your comments and suggested links are welcome.

While most users who obtain a browser with strong encryption simply want a browser that lets them safely look up their bank balance, make purchases via the iNet or trade securities, the disagreement over regulation involves the individual's right to privacy, the U.S. Government's ability to maintain national security and various company's right to distribute and control the integrity of their products.
    The existing (as of June 05, 1999) situation of U.S Federal Trade Administration regulation makes it necessary to consider it a federal offense to distribute 128bit strong encrypted browsers to computers outside the U.S. or Canada without providing key-recovery, which allows the government the ability to decode encrypted Files. I suspect other compromises to transaction security might exist, but my suspicion doesn't make it so.

From the general user's point of view, in order to comply with enforcement of the regulation, there is a two sided test that must be passed before a legal distribution can be made. In other words, to get a download of that 128bit browser which the online bank, stock broker or online store says you need, a strict procedure is supposed to be followed.

Distributor's rules:
    - The distributor must be licensed to distribute the 128bit encrypted browser to a customer. Typically, the manufacturer is the licensed distributor.
    - Must electronically identify the recipient's IP (Internet Protocol) to be a listed U.S. or Canadian assignment.
    - Must collect and make available to regulatory bodies a statement of citizenship, location and location of intended use of the recipients of the browsers.

Recipient's rules:
    - Recipients must make their IP detectable by the WEB site that will upload a 128bit browser to them.  Typically, you must turn on Java, Java Script, accept cookies and set your browser's security setting to "low" before logging on the 128bit browser download page.
    - Must give their full correct name, citizenship, physical address location, phone number and claim that the information is correct.
    - Must not move the browser's location after it has been received.

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