Re: Spam the Sign!

[...]
>  Do you have a legal opinion to support this statement?  Our lawyers
>tell us that executives of netscape could go to jail if we make the
>128bit version of netscape available from an "export controlled"
>ftp or http server.  We are working to clarify the situation with
>the government or figure out an alternative distribution scheme that
>will remove us from the grey area.

No legal opinions here, but perhaps you give it to someone who you know is
legally entitled to have it and give them permission to redistribute it.  For
example, MIT, RSA, and c2.org already distribute export-controlled software
via FTP, so if they're willing, you could give copies to people there and
publish MD5 checksums.

>  Getting the US version of netscape widely available is one of my
>highest priorities, but I can't tell Barksdale that he should go to
>jail over it.  I'm constantly pushing from within the company to keep
>things moving forward.

It's appreciated as is your participation here.

>  In the mean time I appologize to the linux users who can't even
>buy the 128 bit version.  If something changes on this front I'll
>be sure to let people know.


                          | (Douglas) Hofstadter's Law:
Frank Stuart              | It always takes longer than you expect, even 
fstuart@vetmed.auburn.edu | when you take into account Hofstadter's Law.

[regarding suggestion that netscape give mit or someone a 128 bit version 
to place on an ftp server]

This is not an apology for the the ITAR, just my usual lawyerly overcaution:

Suppose A gives B a program that is export controlled, intending for B to 
allow it to be exported.  Has A conspired with B to export the program?

Let's ask the grand jury investigating Phil....

A. Michael Froomkin        | +1 (305) 284-4285; +1 (305) 284-6506 (fax)
Associate Professor of Law | 
U. Miami School of Law     | froomkin@law.miami.edu
P.O. Box 248087            | http://www.law.miami.edu/~froomkin
Coral Gables, FL 33124 USA | It's warm here.