Although the US is the leader in producing high quality strong encryption products, other countries are increasingly doing so. We have recognize thats reality and understand that export controls cannot stop the spread of encrypted products. And importantly, controls that do not recognize this reality, put our software industry at a disadvantage as it tries to compete in the global marketplace. And, I might add, increasingly, I think will put our security at risk. Encryption is essential to hundreds of billions of dollars of e-commerce.
Encryption is essential to hundreds of billions of dollars of e-commerce.
It is crucial to electronically transfer funds, and to overall use of the Internet including email, and the United States must have a powerful presence in that future development. As this process moves forward, I am open to arguments regarding whether we should expand encryption exports even further. But, I believe that is an important first step, and I am hopeful that we can find a responsible reasonable approach that will allow a balance of the other interests. I would simply ask witness, to perhaps, I am sure they will be asked this in addressing, what happens with respect to foreign companies filing the gap, and what the relationship of that is to our national security. Foreign encryption is produced worldwide, and we are outside of that loop.