Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Do you remember when France banned encryption software from being used by non-government entities in the 90s? I do.

https://slashdot.org/story/99/01/15/0044246/france-to-recons...

> Until 1996 one had to ask permission to use any form of encryption, or pay a 6000-500000 FF fine with 2-6 months of prison if found out. Currently encryption that the french authorities can break is legal, but this is not secure enough to encourage e-commerce.

(1999)




Yeah. My university had the choice of either breaking the law, get hacked or not providing remote SSH access to students. They broke the law...


To us other europeans, those years were kind of formative to us about viewing France as a relic to be laughed about.

What great french internet startups have ended up expanding outside their country in a meaningful way?


That also explains a whole lot of French tech jealousy politics and their many stupid failed ventures. They always were moronic control freaks essentially and won't change, the only solution is to replace the damn fools.


Everything can be solved with a multi billion euro EU-funded project!




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: