FIDNet, and other related computer network monitoring proposals, have raised many concerns about the federal government cybersnooping on online transactions. While I share the Administration's goal of protecting government computer networks from outside intruders, there are serious policy questions about how best to achieve security in a way that protects personal privacy. The few answers that have been forthcoming are often vague and even contradictory. Congress will not put the confidence of the American people in their online transactions at risk by prematurely supporting a plan that has not yet seen the light of day. I hope you will take this opportunity to reassure the public that there is no Administration effort to invade personal privacy before releasing the National Plan later this year.
People are very interested in preserving their personal security online.
The future of e-commerce depends on it. I urge you to work with Congress to bring these important Internet privacy issues to the forefront where they can be openly discussed and debated before the public. I am certain that the Administration shares our commitment to online privacy. Please take this opportunity to demonstrate it by providing more clarity and light to the encryption export rules and the FIDNet proposals.