Industry Group Plans Ad Campaign on Encryption

(July 23, 1998)  Americans for Computer Privacy, an industry based pro encryption group, announced at a Washington press conference on Wednesday the details of a multimedia advertising campaign focused on building public support for legislation protecting use and export of strong encryption products.  The grass roots effort to influence Congress will include 30-second television spots, one-page print ads and an online component.

The TV ads were shown at the conference and may be viewed at the ACP website.  One ad bears a similarity to the successful "Harry and Louise" ads which were used to build opposition to the Clinton health care program several years ago.

"Our messages are straightforward and convey the concerns of American consumers," stated ACP Executive Director Ed Gillespie. "The ads draw attention to the flaws in current encryption policies which threaten the security of our nation's infrastructure and put our technological leadership at risk. They also point out the threat to privacy posed by an FBI-backed proposal that would require Americans to turn over encryption 'keys' to government-approved third parties."

Several legislators also attended the conference, including SAFE Act sponsors  Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Sam Gejdenson (D-CT), and Rep. Rick White (R-WA), as well as E-Privacy sponsors Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT).