Encryption guru takes a stand

Internet legend, Phil Zimmermann has launched a one-man crusade against the US government's tough encryption export laws.

Zimmermann, who brought encryption technology to the masses when he founded PGP (Pretty Good Privacy), has played a leading role in the struggle against security services' attempts to ban the export of strong encryption products.

But in an interview with Silicon.com, Zimmermann was scathing about a government probe into the issue. "I'd like to know what they did. Some things they did I think weren't quite right. For example, they detained me at Dallas Airport without a lawyer, refused me a lawyer and interrogated me. I think it would serve public interest to find out what else they did during this investigation."

Zimmermann said he intends to sue the US government and use the Freedom of Information Act, to force the full details of the investigation to be revealed.

The full interview with Phil Zimmermann will be published tomorrow on Silicon.com's Internet Channel.