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Zfone Voice Encryption Software Prevents Online VoIP Spying

6:30 am on May 23, 2006 | Category: Regulation, Software, VoIP, Web Services

Cryptographic software entrepreneur, Philip R. Zimmermann, has released a new internet privacy application, which encrypts PC-to-PC VoIP communication in a way that prevents all types of electronic surveillance.

The software, called Zfone, works by eliminating the need for a group of computers to hold encryption keys, and making it impossible for any third party to intercept or spy on the conversation.

There has been some speculation that such a product could ruffle the feathers of the FCC, which is currently implementing measures to make VoIP providers integrate government wiretapping technology with their networks.

Marc Rotenberg, however, who directs the Electronic Privacy Information Center, says that Zfone is designed for PC-to-PC communication, and therefore doesnâ€™t conflict with surveillance laws.

“From the FCC’s perspective you can’t regulate point-to-point communications, which I think will let Phil off the hook,” Rotenberg was quoted as saying.

It is comforting to know that online VoIP at least, is relatively safe from government spying for the time being, and that there are ways to make it even safer.

Zimmermann himself claims that the new software isnâ€™t intended as a way to circumvent government wiretapping rules, but to provide an extra layer of security to corporate users, who are increasingly adopting VoIP technology, but are concerned about sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

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