Fuck those bastards! (pardon my French).
However this piece is David Aaron's take as respewed by the press, and
so is unlikely to represent the facts terribly accurately.
Previously a "General Software Note" applied:
>The Lists do not control "software" which is either:
>1. Generally available to the public by being:
> a. Sold from stock at retail selling points without restriction, by
> means of:
> 1. Over-the-counter transactions;
> 2. Mail order transactions; or
> 3. Telephone call transactions; and
> b. Designed for installation by the user without further suhstantial
> support by the supplier; or
>2. "In the public domain".
I'd like to know what *exactly* has changed, because it's very scary
if countries like Ireland and Scandinavian ones just cave in and sign
away such important exemptions.
>The new policy also reduced reporting and paperwork requirements and
>specifically excluded from export controls products that used encryption to
>protect intellectual property
If it was really that simple, this would be a loophole you could drive
a truck through: hey, I own copyright to my email so I need to protect
that I.P. with P.G.P.! We'll probably find that it only applies to
billion-dollar corporate entities located in Hollywood, CA, USA.
Also, W.A. is supposed to be an arms control arrangement, so what
about clauses like "This arrangement [...] will not impede bona fide
civil transactions" which is right at the top of the document? Surely
if Joe Schmoe buys some crypto (or other) mass-market software, then
that constitutes a "bona fide civil transaction"? Oh sorry, I've
been assuming it was written in English instead of double-speak.
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light." - Dylan Thomas
Later,
Rob.
PS: I hope all you yanks are suitably ashamed of your country as the
instigator of this crap.