Excerpt from a US House Commerce Committee press release. The full text can be found at: http://www.house.gov/commerce/releases/pr122198.htm Talks about easing export controls on strong encryption, and there is mention of creating a 'technologically neutral' national standard for electronic authorization, seeing as how several states have adopted dissimilar laws. ---------------------------------------------------- House Committee on Commerce News Release For Immediate Release Contact: David Fish December 21, 1998 (202) 225-5735 Chairman Bliley Announces House Commerce Committee Agenda WASHINGTON, D.C. The chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Representative Tom Bliley (R-VA), announced the highlights of his committee <. . . .> "Moving to the exciting world of the INTERNET, the Committee will take steps, including the passage of legislation, to further open up Electronic Commerce, the new marketplace of the 21st Century. "First and foremost, the committee will continue to be a bulwark against over-regulation and taxation of the INTERNET. I will not allow the INTERNET to become a cash cow or plaything of the IRS and federal bureaucrats. "We also need a technologically neutral nationwide standard for electronic authentication. This is the so-called electronic signature that allows people to do business on line. "Add to that an easing of restrictions on the export of strong encryption products. This is the technology that allows people to conduct safe and secure transactions on-line by helping to prevent invasions of privacy and security. "I am working with the industry to develop an enforceable and self-regulating system to protect privacy on-line. People will not do business on line if their finances, medical histories or other personal information can be accessed by strangers. <. . . .> -30- News Home The House Committee on Commerce 2125 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2927 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
