CONCLUSION

Ethical Overview

We have concentrated our discussion on supercomputers and cryptology, two high-tech issues that fall under "dual-use" items for export control. The dual-use characterization, closely tied to the conflicting economic and military risks mentioned in the current situation section, leaves a gray area of decision-making that brings ethics into play. Supercomputers and encryption are not as clear items for policy as, say, missile technology or food stuffs, but something must be decided. An overview of the ethical background:

Cryptography: Privacy and Civil Liberty vs. Crypto-assisted Crime

As a dual-use technology, cryptology comes into play in an enormous amount of civilian applications. It is a must in communicating with a bank, in keeping private insurance and medical records, in performing other transactions where identity must be assured and the information kept secure. For individuals, the Internet provides an efficient and effective mode of communication. Sharing encryption as a subject of teaching and even as a tool to encode communication over the Internet is possibly a fundamental part of free speech and expression. Yet since the Internet is internationally accessible, posting on it is considered a form of exportation and raises concerns about how foreign entities can use encryption technology. The FBI calls encryption a threat to national security, from domestic crime as well as terrorist. In a report to congress, the bureau states, "Without an ability to promptly decrypt encrypted criminal or terrorist communications and computer files, we in the law enforcement community will not be able to effectively investigate or prosecute" (FBI). The FBI fears that relaxing encryption export controls will proliferate the ability of terrorism and international crime to keep their plans and communicaes away from law-enforcement's eyes.

Supercomputers: Corporate Interest vs. National Security

The international supercomputer market has the potential to be huge. When computer export controls were first relaxed in 1995 (discussed here [link]), a market of $150 billion over the following decade was expected to be opened. The controls have since tightened, due to international concerns. Russia's purchase of 17 supercomputers in 1997, now being used in a nuclear weapons laboratory, sparked fears about the potential threat created by supercomputers in foreign hands. U.S. computing technology can give other nations an edge in mass destruction capability that may come back to bite us. There is also a concern of diversion: a computer imported from the U.S. for weather research might end up in a weapons facility. American supercomputer makers like Cray (Silicon Graphics-owned) and Sun Microsystems must consider the ramifications of their sales. Should IBM have kept better watch over its European subsidiary in the case with Russia (discussed here [link])? Policy-makers must weigh the balance between keeping the American economic pulse alive, but must also guard our borders carefully.

Dual-Use Technology: Civilian vs. Military

Both of these technologies are dual-use, and there exists a generalized ethical concern about dual-use technologies. All relevant companies must understand the implications of their products being used for both military and civilian applications. American policy-makers must also take this into account. In the cases of encryption and supercomputers, we are fully aware of the prominent and helpful civilian uses either technology possesses. For encryption we have stated records and transactions; for supercomputers there is complex weather modeling and technology maintenance, even improved safety of current nuclear arsenal. Yet the parties involved must be careful about the military uses on a terrorist or larger scale. Our discussion raises a broad issue about dual-use technologies whose export is controlled; plane and missile technology, chemical technology, and telecommunications and satellite technology are a few examples of these. An ethical standpoint must weigh the benefits and problems of the military/civilian dichotomy.