John Gilmore forwards: > http://news.com.com/IBM+donates+new+privacy+tool+to+open-source/2100-1029_3-6153625.html > > IBM donates new privacy tool to open-source > By Joris Evers > Staff Writer, CNET News.com > Published: January 25, 2007, 9:00 PM PST > > IBM has developed software designed to let people keep personal > information secret when doing business online and donated it to the > Higgins open-source project. > > The software, called "Identity Mixer," was developed by IBM > researchers. The idea is that people provide encrypted digital > credentials issued by trusted parties like a bank or government agency > when transacting online, instead of sharing credit card or other > details in plain text, Anthony Nadalin, IBM's chief security architect, > said in an interview. > ...
I just wanted to note that the idemix software implements what we sometimes call Camenisch credentials. This is a very advanced credential system based on zero knowledge and group signatures. The basic idea is that you get a credential on one pseudonym and can show it on another pseudonym, unlinkably. More advanced formulations also allow for credential revocation. I don't know the specifics of what this software implements, and I'm also unclear about the patent status of some of the more sophisticated aspects, but I'm looking forward to being able to experiment with this technology. Hal Finney --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cryptography Mailing List Unsubscribe by sending "unsubscribe cryptography" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]