IP: WIRED WORLD WILL "DIMINISH NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY" -- Edupage

[Dave Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>]

A leading Clinton Administration official on information security and


cryptography matters says that traditional notions of sovereignty,
national


security and warfare will be undermined by the year 2020, when the 
whole


world is "wired" and e-cash is the norm.  The result will be less
powerful


governments in relation to criminal organizations such as the Mafia and


international drug cartels, says Michael Nelson, who adds that 
organized


crime members are already some of the most sophisticated users of
computer


systems and strong encryption technology.  In addition, computer
crackers


will pose a more significant threat.  In response, Nelson advocates


resolving the issue of whether unauthorized access of a computer is an
"act


of trespass" or an "act of war," and prosecuting the intrusions
accordingly.


(BNA Daily Report for Executives 6 Sep 96 A14)