First, generally available software with encryption capabilities is sold within the U.S. at thousands of retail outlets, by mail, even over the phone. These programs may be transferred abroad in minutes by anyone using a public telephone line and a computer modem. And this is just the beginning. Third, encryption techniques and technology are well understood throughout the world. Encryption is routinely taught in computer science programs.
Text books explain the underlying encryption technology.
International organizations have published protocols for implementing high level encryption. The only result of continued U.S. export controls is to threaten the continued preeminence of America's computer software and hardware companies in the world markets. These restrictive policies jeopardize the health of American companies, and the jobs and revenues they generate. I support, therefore, the immediate revision of current export controls over encryption devices to comport with the reality of worldwide encryption availability. I believe law enforcement and the intelligence community would be better served by finding real, and targeted ways to deal with international terrorists and criminals rather than promoting scattershot policies, which restrict American industries' ability to design, produce, and market technology.