Cryptography law

Overview

• Export control, which is the restriction on export of cryptography methods within a country to other countries or commercial entities. There are international export control agreements, the main one being the Wassenaar Arrangement. The Wassenaar Arrangement was created after the dissolution of COCOM, which in 1989 "decontrolled password and authentication-only cryptography."
• Import controls, which is the restriction on using certain types of cryptography within a country.
• Patent issues, which deal with the use of cryptography tools that are patented.
• Search and seizure issues, on whether and under what circumstances, a person can be compelled to decrypt data files or reveal an encryption key.

  Cryptography law in different countries

France

• As long as cryptography is only used for authentication and integrity purposes, it can be freely used. The cryptographic key or the nationality of the entities involved in the transaction do not matter. Typical e-business websites fall under this liberalized regime.
• Exportation and importation of cryptographic tools to or from foreign countries must be either declared or requires an explicit authorization.

  United States