Subject: Gore says encryption access to help individuals and businesses
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 94 15:20:01 PST
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WASHINGTON (UPI)--The White House announced Friday it is taking steps
to allow for the use of once highly classified encryption technology
in the United States and overseas.

In a statement, Vice President Al Gore said encryption--a method to
code and decode through numbers as a way to scramble messages--"is a
law and order issue since it can be used by criminals to thwart
wiretaps and avoid detection and prosecution."

"It has huge strategic value," Gore said. "Encryption technology and
cryptoanalysis turned the tide in the Pacific and elsewhere during
World War II."

Gore said the policy is designed to provide better encryption to
individuals and businesses "while ensuring that the needs of law
enforcement and national security are met."

Last April, the administration released the Key Escrow chip, also
known as the "Clipper Chip," that would provide Americans with secure
telecommunications without compromising the ability of law enforcement
agencies to carry out legally authorized wiretaps.

The White House said the Commerce, Justice and State departments would
implement steps to allow for the use of encryption technology in the
United States and abroad.