In a message dated 23 Jun 96  09:07:18, Karl Wahlberg wrote:
 KW>> Digital cash transactions don't have to invade your privacy any
 KW>> more than writing public messages encrypted with PGP. e-cash is
 KW>> an
 RW> If you don't control the computers you have no privacy.
 KW> Not with public key encryption. Privacy is never compromised.
 KW> Besides, if you use a "smart" card, you do control the computers.
 KW> Just make sure your card is smarter than the network ;-)
If you are talking about PGP, I believe a 1024 bit encryption key WAS broken 
by a student using 12-14 SPARC workstations - took 10-14 days but it was 
broken.
IF the gov't was using their super computers this would be shortened. And if 
we get to the point where we have to provide our keys to the gov't we'll have 
as much privacy as the FBI has in handing over secret files to some White 
House bureaucrat.
I might have agreed with you in the past but at this point IF the gov't wants 
you they'll get you - they have far more resources and money than you have to 
fight them.
 KW> Seriously, if privacy and electronic money is a big concern to you,
 KW> you should learn all you can about it. Chaum authored an excellent
I have read a number of articles on this but things are changing so rapidly 
at this point it is hard to stay current.
 KW> network. No network is required for e-cash. So far the governments
 KW> haven't put up a big fight about it, because it is so small they
 KW> think they can track it at the banks you have to exchange your
 KW> digital for paper at. Soon as there is enough in circulation that you
E-cash will be decried as the gov't will say drug dealers are "transfering" 
funds via E-cash so they'll step in and try to tie it up so that they will be 
able to monitor what is what.
 KW> Don't let them impose a privacy compromising standard on you when you
 KW> have an option. Just as you shouldn't tolerate invasive drug testing,
 KW> or an illegal search of your person or property.
No one wishes to - however I can forsee (and have seen legal cases) of where 
the gov't just knocks down the door and seizes computer equipment - no 
warrant even needed. (I've been running a BBS for over 5 years and I have a 
number of cases where this has happened).
 KW> Perhaps someone out there could make a smart-card from hemp derrived
 KW> plastics? ;-)
Hemp-Card - use it up and then smoke it! Bio-degradable covering than can be 
dissolved and then broken apart and smoked after it is used up (remember some 
of the good old Columbians that used to be brick-hard when compressed?).
 KW> Karl |-> (desperately trying to stay on topic)
And quite good I'd say!
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