Mandatory MIME Security Considered Harmful
draft-crocker-mime-security-00
| Document | Type | Expired Internet-Draft (individual) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Dave Crocker | ||
| Last updated | 2002-11-04 | ||
| Stream | (None) | ||
| Intended RFC status | (None) | ||
| Formats |
Expired & archived
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| Stream | Stream state | (No stream defined) | |
| Consensus boilerplate | Unknown | ||
| RFC Editor Note | (None) | ||
| IESG | IESG state | Expired | |
| Telechat date | (None) | ||
| Responsible AD | (None) | ||
| Send notices to | (None) |
https://www.ietf.org/archive/id/draft-crocker-mime-security-00.txt
Abstract
MIME is the preferred Internet mechanism for labeling and aggregating bulk data objects, such as for email and the web, and it is essential to have useful, MIME-based mechanisms. Indeed, two standards have existed for some years: OpenPGP and S/MIME. A current IESG policy for new application protocols requires that they mandate conforming implementations to support a single security mechanism. For applications using MIME security, this means that the specification is required to choose between S/MIME and OpenPGP. Although well-intentioned, the policy is at least useless and at worst counter-productive. This note discusses the problem and suggests returning to the previously acceptable policy that better reflects the lack of market resolve for MIME security.
Authors
(Note: The e-mail addresses provided for the authors of this Internet-Draft may no longer be valid.)