BurmaNet: Security and housekeeping

[strider@xxxxxxxxxxx]

BurmaNet: Security and Housekeeping
July 20, 1996

Dear Subscribers to BurmaNet-L and BurmaNews-L,


SECURITY

BurmaNet has been contacted by persons concerned about the
confidentiality of BurmaNet's subscription lists.  Specifically, we have
been warned that persons working for the Burmese regime are trying to
get the subscription lists in order to punish or intimidate our readers. 

This report is probably an unfounded rumor.  Even if it is true, the
effort would be so pointless that only someone who does not comprehend
the technology of the Internet would bother trying.  But, as it would
not out of character for the SLORC to resort to intimidation or to 
overestimate their understanding of a subject, we are posting this note 
explaining the futility of trying to control the net. 

First, the server which carries BurmaNet is configured so that the only
people who should have access are the editors.  Although anything is
possible, it is unlikely that an outsider could get the lists.  Even if
they can, the greatest protection is that there is almost no point to 
doing so. 

While there are more than 700 addresses on the subscription list, far 
more people read BurmaNet via the soc.culture.burma newsgroup.  
There is no way to tell who is reading soc.culture.burma so most 
BurmaNet readers would be as invisible to the SLORC as they are to us.
For anyone seriously worried about security and who still wants a 
direct subscription, it is also possible to subscribe via an anonymous remailer.

We know that the SLORC monitors traffic on BurmaNet and has assigned
intelligence personnel in Bangkok and Washington to subscribe and report
on what gets said on the net.  According to one fairly reliable source,
Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt is even a regular reader.  Rather than seeing this
as a threat, we welcome the chance to put a broad range of information
and opinions before the gentlemen in Burma who hold the guns. They may
in time see that there is little they can, or should want to do, to stop
people from sharing uncensored news about Burma.  In the meantime, they
are helpless to stop us, so let them watch. 

We don't believe this current security concern is terribly serious, but we will 
take whatever precautions are necessary and keep our readers informed.
If you have any concerns or comments, please let us know.


    Strider