[109028] in Cypherpunks
COMPUTER MAKERS JOIN FORCES ON PRIVACY PROBLEM
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Anonymous)
Tue Mar 9 03:32:57 1999
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 00:25:27 -0800 (PST)
From: Anonymous <nobody@anon.olymp.org>
To: cypherpunks@cyberpass.net
Reply-To: Anonymous <nobody@anon.olymp.org>
COMPUTER MAKERS JOIN FORCES ON PRIVACY PROBLEM
Computer manufacturers are working together to address the privacy concerns
raised over Intel's new Pentium III chip, which is expected to appear in
PCs
beginning Sunday. The Pentium III includes a unique serial number designed
to support secure online transactions, but the fact that it can identify
the
processor -- and indirectly, the PC user -- has resulted in calls for a
boycott of the new machines. Meanwhile, IBM, Dell, Gateway, Compaq and
some
other major vendors say they will disable the ID in the basic input/output
system (BIOS) software that controls basic PC functions. "We know that the
BIOS mechanism is completely secure," says Gateway's VP of product
management & planning. Computer buyers will still have the option of
reactivating the serial number if they so choose. (Los Angeles Times 26
Feb 99)
