1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-905 FNovember 4, 1998The Encryption Debate: Intelligence Aspects(name redacted) and Richard A. Best, Jr.Specialist in National DefenseForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryThe 10
2、6th Congress is expected to resume an ongoing debate on restricting theexport of sophisticated computer encryption systems. In the 105th Congress strongsupport for removing encryption export restrictions and allowing U.S. software firmsto compete in the world marketplace was balanced by concern that
3、 widespreadavailability of such systems could undercut important law enforcement and intelligenceinterests. No encryption legislation passed in the 105th Congress. The ClintonAdministration relaxed some restrictions on encryption sales based on existing exportlegislation, but opposes the complete li
4、fting of restrictions out of concern that use ofhighly sophisticated encryption might hinder law enforcement and intelligencecollection efforts. The views of law enforcement agencies have been forcefully set forthby FBI Director Louis Freeh, but less has been said about the implications for thecolle