NEWS - Windows 2000
escapes encryption rule
(08.03.00)
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Microsoft has finally been given the go-ahead from Bejing to sell Windows 2000 following
concerns about new rules on encryption technology. China began enforcing rules earlier
this year that require companies and individuals to register their encryption products
with the government, then apply for permission to use them. (This includes a ban on any
foreign products with embedded encryption technology from software to mobile phones).
It had been feared that Microsoft would be forced to remove its encryption feature and
replace it with Chinese encryption technology. The aim of this rule is to allow Chinese
authorities the ability to monitor encrypted communications when matters of national
security or law enforcement are concerned. Windows 2000 escaped this ruling as the
encryption technology embedded in the OS is not a specific tool, but rather a feature
designed to support applications such as electronic commerce.
NEWS