S. 1726 - the Pro-CODE Act of 1996 104th Congress | First Posted on May 2, 1996

Background on Pro-CODE

The bill, entitled the "Promotion of Commerce On-Line in the Digital Era (Pro-CODE) Act of 1996", was designed to encourage the widespread availability of strong, easy-to-use privacy and security technologies for the Internet. It was similar to a bill introduced in March by Senators Leahy and Burns, though the new bill did not contain criminal provisions or provisions imposing liability for third party key holders.

The Senate Commerce Committee vote on the bill that was scheduled for Thursday September 12 was postponed indefinitely.

Information about the "Pro-CODE" hearings that were cybercast can be found in the "Pro-CODE" News Archives.

• Text of S. 1726

• CDT Resources

  • CDT's Analysis of S.1726
  • CDT Policy Post 2.15: Legislation Challenges Clinton's Grip on US Crypto Policy
  • CDT Policy Post 2.16: Senator Burns Goes Online to Discuss Crypto Bill

  • A CDT-led public interest and industry coalition letter in support of Pro-CODE was sent to the "Pro-CODE" sponsors on May 2, 1996
  • On September 9, 1996, CDT sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee members urging them to report the "Pro-CODE" bill out of the committee without amendment.

• Statements by Senators upon the bill's introduction

  • Sen. Conrad Burns
  • Sen. Larry Pressler
  • Sen. Bob Dole
  • Sen. Patrick Leahy

• Congress Goes To The Net

  • Sen. Patrick Leahy sends an open letter to the Net encrypted with PGP -- the first time a member of Congress has encrypted an official communication.

  • An open Letter to the Net community from Senator Conrad Burns on the introduction of S. 1726.

  • CDT's Congress and The Net Page

• Press Clips
  • PoliticsUSA/National Journal article - "Unshackling the Net?" May 17, 1996