Re: [Crypto] Re: ftp.kernel.org vs. ftp.funet.fi

Michael Stone (mstone@itri.loyola.edu)
Sun, 20 Apr 1997 14:03:38 -0400


> >Linus creates a kernel with encryption in it.
> >He encrypts it with an international encryption algorithym (blowfish for
> >eg)
> > or even a few of them... you never know who the CIA has bought. He
> >exports the encrypted code.
> >Someone in (for example) Finland de-encrypts it and put it one their site.
>
> >This essentially creates a catch-22 (or double bind in Psychology)
> >situation for the government. They have been avoiding telling the world
> >how much they can crack.... if they want to prosecute Linus they would
> >have to reveal what they can crack.

Come, on, people, this is ridiculous. Why would the government do this?
The kernel has Linus' name all over it. If they see it in Finland, they go
talk to him and ask him whether he's taken steps to prevent the illegal
export of the software. They don't need to go through all the cr*p you're
outlining.

> I have always been under the impression that the CIA would just shoot
> someone who put them in such a position. But maybe I'm wrong and the CIA
> is really a caring organization with the interests of American residents
> at heart, and that it's officers are fine law abiding citizens who would
> never kill anyone.

The CIA isn't responsible for decryption--that falls to the NSA. And no,
they're not omnipotent, hard as that may be to believe. Can we turn off
the paranoia and get back to kernel development?

Mike Stone