International group reaches agreement on encryption

Article Abstract:

The Wassenaar Arrangement export-control group has reached a compromise deal on the international control of data-scrambling software and hardware, according to the US Government. New encryption restrictions will apply to mass-market software that contains numerical-key lengths of more than 64 bits. The 33-member Wassenaar multilateral group's agreement would attempt to settle longstanding philosophical differences between individual privacy and national data security. The US has opposed the export of strong encryption software, saying international terrorists could take advantage of the technology to tamper with national intelligence and police agencies. Foreign-based companies, meanwhile, have exported programs that include 128-bit encryption for financial transactions. Government officials hope the deal in Vienna will close this loophole and relieve some pressure on frustrated US high-technologies industries. American technology exports believe the acord will have little impact on other nations' exports or criminal deterrence.

Product standards, safety, & recalls, Data Encryption Software Pkgs, Radio & TV communications equipment, Encryption/Decryption Equip, Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing, Laws, regulations and rules, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Encryption, Data encryption, Encryption software, Cryptographic equipment, Data security, Data Security Issue

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Microsoft to alter its software, responding to privacy concerns

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp. has removed the unique number assigned to Windows 98 and other Microsoft products to avoid privacy issues. The traceable serial number is attached to the Pentium III chip insides a user's computer, which could theoretically be used to track all of an individual's created documents on various networks. Company technicians are looking to ways to turn this mechanism off in both new version and released one.

Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Computer software industry, Software industry, Microsoft Corp., Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Design and construction, MSFT, Public relations, Company public relations

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