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From: rdd@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Robert Dorsett)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer,sci.crypt
Subject: DES and Bofors (Re: Fear of Commies)
Keywords: DES Exports Weapons
Message-ID: <22096@ut-emx.UUCP>
Date: 8 Dec 89 04:39:12 GMT
References: <63359@tiger.oxy.edu> <9099@hoptoad.uucp> <1989Dec1.140641.13414@cs.umu.se> <1989Dec7.174437.8999@sq.sq.com>
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Reply-To: rdd@walt.cc.utexas.edu (Robert Dorsett)
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In article <1989Dec7.174437.8999@sq.sq.com> outer@sq.com (Richard Outerbridge) writes:
>>And why should someone want to limit the distribution of a DES encryptor? 
>>
>Actually just obeying the law.  Both the Excited States and Canada
>prohibit the unlicensed export of cryptographic technical data, 

Didn't the US lift its prohibition against exporting DES in '87?


>Christer is right that DES programs have been widely published and
>are generally available to anyone who wants them.  I seem to remember 
>that Sweden in particular places no restrictions on the export of 
>cryptographic technology; this may or may not be an enlightened attitude.
>Then again, I don't think the Swedes impose many controls on the export
>of artillery shells and rocket launchers (can you say Bofors?) either.

I seem to recall that the Swedes are only allowed, by law, to export only 
production surpluses.  Which makes the recent scandals all the more, er, 
disillusioning...:-)