Pretty Good Privacy

(P-G-P)

An encryption application developed by Philip R. Zimmermann. It is based on public-key encryption where the encrypted text is protected by two keys: one you give to anyone you want to receive a message from and the other a private key used to decrypt messages you receive.

The public-key algorithm used by PGP is patented in the U.S. (#4,405,829) by Public Key Partners. It's possible, therefore, use of PGP in the U.S. is an infringment.

In an attempt to define posting on a BBS as "exporting" the U.S. Government prosecuted Zimmermann using a law that prohibits export of encryption software from the U.S. The case was dropped in 1996 when the futility of this argument was finally realized.

More Information

• International PGP Home Page
• PGP Home Page
• Open PGP Specification
• PGP Resources
• PGP FAQ