DocBug has a nice short commentary on "Trusted" computing (Trusted Computing). He uses an analogy I haven't heard before, that trusted computing is similar to the political officer in Soviet military units. Apparently, communist political officers "were great as long as you believed in what the Communist Party stood for." Trusted computing is the same, as long as you agree with the rules, having them be enforced is great. Bonus distinction, however, "you won't get shot for refusing to use TC on your computer."
I agree that the voluntary nature of current Trusted Computing proposals is crucial. I seem to have been the main unaffiliated online defender of the concept, but I will strongly oppose any efforts to mandate this or any other technology.
Having said that, a careful reading of the CBDTPA (the follow-on name to the SSSCA), the "Hollings Bill", made it clear that the focus was on closing the analog hole, protecting broadcast television and limiting P2P file sharing, rather than anything to do with Trusted Computing. It would have been a bad bill, but there was never any real prospect that it would mandate this particular technology.
Posted by Unlimited Freedom on November 4, 2003 03:33 PM | Permalink to Comment
Well, not yet at least. If the SSSCA had passed, we'd be there.
Posted by user on November 3, 2003 09:48 PM | Permalink to Comment