UKcrypto mailing list topic, and future

[John R T Brazier [EMAIL PROTECTED]]

Dear Stephen,

As you ably point out, this list is about UK Govt and its intersection
with cryptography. Because of this, it tends to pulse, according to the
rhythms of our lords and masters. At critical times, it is usually
extremely on-topic; in quieter times it can vary over more wide-ranging
subjects. 

Most of these discussions do still tend to be about what the UK Govt is
doing in the general fields of personal privacy: which is surely the
fundamental reason for this whole list. I would actually hate to see it
change - I've learnt a lot here.

ATB

John B

-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen
Early
Sent: 27 March 2003 15:55
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: UKcrypto mailing list topic, and future

On Thu, 27 Mar 2003, David Hansen wrote:

> On 27 Mar 2003 at 10:50, Philip Perry wrote:
> 
> > I don't know about everyone else, but I generally consider the
> > usefulness of a list is, at least in part, determined by the 'delete
> > key factor', i.e. how much of it is just personal rant and of little
> > value to a serious debate.
> 
> Then perhaps we should stick to cryptography. Whether someone cares 
> if the current personation detection process works appears to have 
> nothing to do with cryptography.

Of course, cryptography is not officially the topic of the list.  The
documentation available at
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/ukcrypto says:

> About ukcrypto
> 
> The group, supported by a mailing list, is comprised of people with a
> professional interest in the formulation and content of UK government
> policy on the provision, use and control of encryption products and
> services in the UK. It was formed in response to the 1996 announcement
> of UK policy on the provision of encryption services on
> telecommunications networks.
> 
> The aim of the forum is to exchange information and co-ordinate
actions
> in order to achieve a UK government policy which:
> 
>    1. preserves existing freedoms within the UK in respect of the
> design, development, provision and use of encryption products and
> services
>    2. is workable in practice given other constraints and factors
which
> are beyond the control or influence of the UK government
>    3. meets the common interests of people in the UK in combating
crime
> and terrorism whilst minimising intrusion into their lawful activities
> and any unnecessary erosion of their privacy
>    4. is set out clearly, precisely and unambiguously to meet clearly
> stated objectives which are demonstrably achievable in political,
legal
> and technical terms
>    5. consistent with the above, minimises any (domestic or export)
> controls on encryption products and services, removing any existing
> controls which are unachievable whilst clarifying the scope of those
> that remain and the processes that will be used to implement them 
> 
> Everyone with an interest in the subject of UK cryptographic policy
and
> deployment is welcome to join the list; it is not restricted to the
> British or those resident in the UK.
> 
> The mailing list is unmoderated, but only subscribed members can post.
> The reply address is set to the list, in the interest of maintaining a
> freely flowing debate, so please be careful that you do not
> inadvertently post inappropriate responses.
> 
> Please try and restrict postings to UK Encryption law and try not to
> stray onto general cryptology topics. The following topics for
instance
> are not appropriate:
> 
>    1. Can PGP be cracked
>    2. What is the best PGP plugin for Eudora
>    3. What is the best way to encrypt a disk under Windows NT 

Given the changes in government policy that have occurred since the list
was created, and the very useful (although according to the above
"officially" off-topic) discussions that have taken place on the list
over
the last few years, perhaps it is time to modify the the list topic.
Suggestions are welcome.

Please would you keep discussion of this meta-topic confined to this
thread, so that it can easily be ignored by people who do not want to
take
part in it.

Stephen Early
UKcrypto mailing list administrator