German's Free Crypto

  1. The Federal Government does not plan to limit the free availability of encryption products in Germany. It considers the application of secure encryption to be a crucial requirement for the citizens' privacy, for the development of electronic commerce, and for the protection of business secrets. The Federal Government will therfore actively support the distribution of secure encryption. This includes in particular increasing the security consciousness of citizens, business, and administration.

  2. The Federal Government strives for strengthening users' trust in the security of encryption. It will therefore take measures to create a framework for trustworthy secure encryption, in particular by improving the possibilities for reviewing encryption products for their security, and by recommending the use of reviewed products.

  3. For reasons of national security, and the security of business and society, the Federal Government considers the ability of German manufacturers to develop and manufacture secure and efficient encryption products indispensible. It will take measures to strenghten the international competitiveness of this sector.

  4. The spreading of strong encryption must not undermine the legal possibilities of prosecution and security authorities [police and intelligence communities may be a better translation]. The responsible Federal Ministries will cautiously watch the development and present a report after two years. Additionally, the Federal Government will work on improving the technical skills of prosecution and security authorities.

  5. The Federal Government attaches importance to international cooperation on encryption policy. It encourages market-driven, open standards and interoperable systems and will work to strengthen multilateral and bilateral cooperation.