Exchanges Signal Movement In Stalemate Over Encryption

摘要

Recent exchanges in the long-running debate over United States' encryption policy suggest some legislation could move forward in the House and Senate this session. The stalemate pitting computer privacy against the requirements of law-enforcement continues, but there are signs that both sides are looking to compromise. The Security And Freedom through Encryption (SAFE) Act of 1997 (H.R. 695), introduced during the 104th Congress by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), is expected to reach the House floor by May. The bill, which encourages the use of strong encryption and relaxes export controls on American-made encryption products, has experienced a "tremendous surge" in the past two years and now enjoys the support of 250 House members, Goodlatte said March 17.