Re: Netscape 128 Bit Encryption

["Michael H. Warfield" <mhw wittsend com>]

On Sun, Oct 31, 1999 at 12:46:55PM -0500, Charles Suprin wrote:
> Does anyone know if redhat will now start releasing the 128 bit
> encryption version as the default package?  The US has lifted the export
> restrictions so it would be a good thing.

	No they have not...

	The US export restrictions have not been lifted (unless something
Earth shattering has occured in the last 48 hours that I'm unaware of).
They have PROPOSED relaxing the regulations a bit.  The new regulations
are being worked on and are scheduled for publication around a December
15, 1999 time frame (I was talking with one of the attornies who are
working on drafting the revised regulations).  You still have to submit
commercial code for a one-time review prior to export.  There will still
be some export restrictions.  The landscape as it applies to open source
software (which Netscape is not but Mozilla is) is still very much in
the air.  Publication of crypto code in Open Source forums or on web sites
are also still undecided.  The proposed relaxations specifically avoided
addressing Open Source Software.  Those issues are still under debate.

	The changes are progress and we may get even more than what was first
announced.  It looks good.  Not great.  Not everything.  But a hell of a lot
better that where we were.

	Stand by for further developments...

> Charles

	Mike
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