NODE d81a9898Re: All our eggs in one basket?
jim@bilbo.suite.com (Jim Miller)Thu, 18 Nov 93 13:08:48 PST
> What would happen if your bank suddenly told you that it had no proof that
> you really had an account there?
>
> Wonderer
>
Theoretically, this problem is prevented by using protocols that incorporate
non-repudiation mechanisms. The bank wound not be able to make such a claim.
Or, another way of saying it, were the bank to make such a claim, you would be
able to prove them wrong.
However, proving them wrong while also retaining your anonymity may be a trick.
It would depend on the design of the non-repudiation mechanisms.
How do you prove to a third party that someone is falsely repudiating a valid
contract or transaction without revealing any information about yourself?
Conversely, how do you defend yourself against false claims of repudiation
without revealing any information about yourself? After all, someone might try
to discover your identity by making false claims about you, and forcing you to
defend yourself. (Sound familiar?)
Jim_Miller@suite.com
NODE bfbff69dRe: All our eggs in one basket?
"Perry E. Metzger" <pmetzger@lehman.com>Thu, 18 Nov 93 13:54:32 PST
Jim Miller says:
> However, proving them wrong while also retaining your anonymity may
> be a trick.
If all transactions require digitally signed confirmation from the
bank, you have an audit trail from them that they can't deny was theirs.
Perry