[overview and site map] |
LOOKING AHEAD |
|
The ACLU is "a nationwide, nonpartisan organization with 53 state affiliates and nearly 300,000 members dedicated to defending the principles of liberty and equality embodied in the Bill of Rights. Throughout its 75-year history, the ACLU has been particularly concerned with any abridgment of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment" (ACLU). In their work relating to cryptography and privacy, they have opposed restrictions on exporting cryptography, stating that "[e]xport restrictions on cryptography are a prior restraint on protected speech, and are a content based gag on Constitutionally protected speech" (ACLU). They have opposed the Interim Rule on Encryption Items Transferred From the U.S. Munitions List to the Commerce Control List (December 30, 1996, 61 FR 68572), and are currently supporting the Pro-CODE bill. (ACLU) In support of the Pro-CODE bill, they have stated that "it is precisely the Administration's policy that is jeopardizing national security by impeding the protection afforded by strong encryption against eavesdropping and improper computer access by criminals and agents of foreign businesses and governments" (ACLU). The ACLU supports the export of encryption because they see the use of encryption as a form of free speech and because they believe the current law jeopardizes the public’s right to privacy. Visit the ACLU website. |
[overview and site map] |