Pros
Brief explanation and Links The Risks of Key Recovery, Key Escrow, and Trusted Third-Party Encryption
Presented by the Center for Democracy and Technology.  A detailed report by an ad hoc group of cryptographers and computer scientists, which "examines the fundamental properties of [government proposed encryption schemes] and attempts to outline the technical risks, costs, and implications of deploying systems that provide government access to encryption keys."

Chaos Computer Club
One of the premier hacker collectives, based in Germany.  A multitude of FAQs are covered here, including the merits and practicalities of encryption for ensured, realistic privacy on the web.  Though a fair amount of the site is in German at this point, much is English-accessible.  CCC also organizes a regular Hackers Camp and posts information about it on the site.

Online.offshore.com
Provides great background to the controversy concerning the International  Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) making encryption exportation illegal. The page also provides a "ITAR Civil Disobedience" link page espousing their thoughts on the subject. [Note:  Encyclawmedia does not support breaking the law, we support education about the issues because discourse is critical to development.]

Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
Loaded with news and views regarding electronic privacy, including EPIC's work with the ACLU, and a massive print and electronic resources page.

The Privacy Page
News and resources, including international, for digital privacy and encryption. Includes "the straight scoop" on arguments for and against strong encryption.

Internet Privacy Coalition
On The Privacy Page, promoting strong encryption and relaxation of exportation controls. Very good coverage of world status of encryption, including U.S. developments in case law and pending legislation, and foreign treaties.

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Cons
Brief explanation and Links White House Memorandum
November 1996 executive order by President Clinton regarding encryption and the export policy, directing regulation by the Department of Commerce.

International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
22 USC §2778 making encryption exportation illegal as arms trafficking.

The Impact of Encryption on Law Enforcement and Public Safety
July 1996 statement by FBI director Louis J. Freeh before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation regarding encryption's dangers.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) development effort.  An "open standards-setting activity" to develop a satisfactory publicly disclosed encryption system for use by the government and private sector in the United States.  This is basically the government's proposal to compromise by coming up with an encryption strong enough for the private sector to embrace, but with a key kept by them, like the key escrow formula so familiarly decried by cyber-libertarians.

Computer Security Resource Clearinghouse (CSRC)
Related site of the NIST . Covers topics such s encryption and key escrow, authentication and signature, common criteria for information technology security and testing standards, and emerging technologies. A valiant effort at building trust in the government on this issue.

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