🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Nov7.142220.1683@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu> 
denning@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu writes:
> I'd like to suggest another possibility, which for want of a
> better name I'll call the "copper balloon".  It's quite clear that key 
> registration goes over like a "lead balloon".  My question is: is this 
> any better?  worse?
[Lengthy description deleted]

Your copper balloon won't float any better than your lead one would.

THIS IS UNENFORCABLE!  It's a neat idea but it won't matter a HILL OF
BEANS! 

If I were J. Random Mafioso, I would:

1. Get laptop PCs, modems, and an DES cypher program.  (John Gotti
   himself could write one in LISP given the books and enough time --
   he's not stupid.  Or he could hire someone.)

2. Exchange keys when I meet the guy I want to talk to.  I have
   to meet him to see if I trust him anyway.  (This is when I show him
   the big nasty bruisers who'll make him into salami if he crosses me).

3. Use REGULAR TELEPHONE SERVICE to transmit undecryptable messages.
   I can run around to payphones, use accoustic couplers, whenever I
   want!  Are you going to bust me for having a laptop and a modem?

> Assuming that the 3rd party devices were reliably constructed, this 
> would at least superficially provide more protection since no keys 
> would be kept unless a court order were issued.

I have $5000 -- enough to buy the equipment so I don't need to.  I
don't wanna participate in your silly protocol because I don't want
you to be able to tap me.

Are you going to make it a crime for me to use my modem?

-- 
Daniel F. Boyd -- boyd@cs.buffalo.edu         -a +X -x -e -m -S -F"> "
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