From: osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (Mr. X)
Subject: Re: National Crime Database
Keywords: database, RSA, Staggers, instant
Organization: Twilight Zone
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 22:55:25 GMT

In article <1992Aug12.175721.22998@dg-rtp.dg.com> meyers@leonardo.rtp.dg.com (Bill Meyers) writes:
>In article <1992Aug7.202617.12968@cbfsb.cb.att.com> osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (Mr. X) writes:
>>Hmmm... I think I *hear* something... CD-ROM DB's...  instant checks...
>
>I just read "Achieving Electronic Privacy," by David Chaum, Scientific
>American, vol. 267, no. 2 (August 1992), pp. 96-101.  Among other things,
>he describes secure "credentials" (modulo the crackability of public-key
>encryption, as usual).  For example, a secure digital driver's license.
>Also negative credentials -- for example, absence of a felony conviction.
>Chaum's credentials are designed to credibly assert a specified attribute
>of a person/organization/etc. --> WITHOUT REVEALING THEIR IDENTITY <--
>(or anything else not specifically asserted by that credential).

	OK, so we could have a system that makes use of zero knowledge
	proofs for eligibility verification.  Nice in theory, but there is
	still a weak point: those that implement such a system, in other
	words, people.  Anyone can be bought or threatened sufficiently to
	persuade them to add hidden pieces to a system that would undoubtedly
	be quite large.  All kinds of shit that should not be in it could be
	put there and kept away from public scrutiny by any one of a number
	of ways (can you say NATIONAL SECURITY??).

	A very nice idea indeed and one that would perhaps work marvelously,
	but the problem of properly (read honestly) implementing such a system
	would probably be impractically enormous.  And there is the issue of
	M&P's (Methods and Procedures) that govern exactly how such a system
	would be used.  This is even easier to change than the code.  A mere
	legal formality that could see very small changes made over time
	such that no one would be willing or able to fight them all.

	I still say this will not work, but this is the best suggestion I have
	heard so far.  If you can find a way around the problems of corrupt
	Guv interference, then let me know.

>
>>I KNOW!  It's the sound of KNUCKLING UNDER!  Imagine that.  I can't believe
>
>Bear in mind the _present_ situation:  every new firearm, and every old one
>that passes through a dealer, is registered on paper.  Parts of the paper
>database are being systematically copied, some say illegally.  The NRA is
>suing various government agencies about this.  Meanwhile, Rome burns ...

	This is exactly my point.  And do you think the Guv will ever get
	rid of this information?  They'll politely pay suck service to the
	supreme court whilst otherwise ignoring anything they have to say
	and keep right on doing what they were doing before, though perhaps
	with a period of greater care and sircumspection until the heat dies
	down.  The Guv is corrupt beyond all measure and talk ain't gonna
	fix anything.  Without the necessary show of force, they will continue
	to waggle their tongues at us whilst nearly choking to death in their
	fit of hysterical laughter.

	-Andy V.
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