China Requires Encryption Registration

Eraser_ writes "Wired has an article on China's latest attempt to control the masses. All companies and individuals using any form of encryption had to register with the government in a small building in an alley. Only a few people showed up. I wonder if they will execute the nine million who didn't register."

Re:Registering encyryption...

[um... Lucas]

The problem with crypto in the more militaristic/repressive (I don't belive i'm wrong in saying that about China) and me, is that I'd gladly part with my secret key ring in exchange for my life.

Just like the other week when a big flack was raised about China attempting to censor what their citizens could view on the internet, this should come as no suprise, either. I mean, it's CHINA!!! Of course they're going to do their best about barring encryption from entering the country. The only way that this would even remotely news worthy is if they'ed explicity said that they were encouraging people to use crypto... Because that would have been news. This is not.

The gun debate's moot. Since they exist, I think everyone should have one gun. That way, no one would ever rob a bank because they'ed know that 50 people in that bank all have guns. No one would mug anyone either, unless they planned on killing them, because on their getaway, they might just get shot. of course, we'd thin the heard a bit in the beginning with all the beligerent drunks at bars having it out, but eventually the world would be a kinda, gentler place... all because of guns :)

Registering encyryption...

[prizog]

... is kinda like registering guns. The only reason for registration is so that they can take it away later. Now, we all agree that the world would be a better place if no one had guns and if encryption was only used for good things. But life sucks, and so no one gets my PGP until they pry it from my cold dead fingers.



BTW, http://novalis.dorm.reed.edu/sekrit is my deCSS mirror