A “Stumbling” US Encryption Policy

Tags: 1990s Clinton Crypto Wars Crypto Wars I Export Controls Key Recovery

Authors: Madsen, Wayne

Published: July 1997

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361372397895486

Abstract: This article describes a 1997 hearing in the House of Representatives to discuss the SAFE Act, which would relax US encryption export controls. Administration officials sought to defend current key recovery policies and differentiate them from the Clipper Chip, while Representatives criticized them as unworkable, due to the necessary international cooperation. In discussing the SAFE ACT, industry representatives largely supported the bill and urged for minimal government restrictions.