Strong Encryption goes overseas

File under parinoia.

OK, rephrase that headline - non-US strong encryption schemes have been available for a while, but the Commerce Department has overturned a Clinton-era policy forbidding US companies from exporting encryption schemes stronger than 56-bit keys.

So what does this mean to you and me? Eh, not much, ‘cept maybe an admission that the NSA can now decrypt 128-bit keyed messages. Either that, or the feds have realized that the export restrictions were hobbling US companies, and want to spur tech job growth ahead of the election.

In either case, it’s a sign that the Bush Administration is slightly more tech-savvy than they’re given credit for.

Posted by jank at February 16, 2004 7:26 AM