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The humble postage stamp just went digital. Last week, Britain’s state-owned
Royal Mail postal service launched a 128-bit public key encryption system.
Called ViaCode, it will initially be set up for businesses to send secure data
over the Internet, but the 350-year-old Royal Mail intends to extend this
service to the public. Customers will buy electronic certificates—a kind
of digital ID—that will allow them to carry out secure transactions
online, such as buying shares. ViaCode has no provision for key escrow, the
controversial proposal to allow government agencies access to electronic
transaction keys.