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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release July 17, 2000

                  STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE
             ON ADMINISTRATION ACTION TO UPDATE ENCRYPTION
                  EXPORT POLICY TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

In September, 1998, I announced a series of steps we were taking to update the Administration's encryption policy. Our work, which grew out of discussions between government and American industry, law enforcement and privacy advocates, was designed to promote electronic commerce will protecting our national interests in law enforcement, privacy and national security.

Today, that mission continues with an important announcement regarding encryption exports to the European Union and other nations. The new policy strips away review requirements and other restrictions that serve to inhibit the ability of American businesses and workers to compete in the global marketplace. While ensuring our competitiveness, this policy continues to preserve our ability to fight crime, protect individual privacy and enhance the security of our nation.

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