Subject: ZeroKnowledge to Discontinue Anonymity Service

"ZeroKnowledge, providers of Freedom.net and Freedom privacy software, have abruptly decided to stop providing anonymous web browsing and private, encrypted, untraceable email for its customers. They give users 7 days before the system is shut down and all untraceable email addresses are disabled. They also say that your "secret" identity may not remain a secret for long." Well, note that that last link is a warning about using the service during the shutdown period, not a warning that they plan to compromise nyms in general. At least they're offering a refund.

http://www.freedom.net/support/article.html?article=410 http://www.freedom.net/prem.html

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

Answers

[I thank Dov for these details, but I'd hope that ZKS could post vital information like the "why" of the shutdown on their website instead of directing people to comments posted on Slashdot. --DBM]

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From: Dov Smith To: "'declan@well.com'" Subject: RE: Zero Knowledge ends anonymity services on October 22 Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 17:13:22 -0400

Hey Declan,

Wanted to make sure you had seen both of these:

Our press release from this morning announcing the release of Freedom Privacy & Security Tools 3.0: http://www.zeroknowledge.com/media/pressrel.asp?rel=10042001

Ian Goldberg's post to Slashdot: http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=22261&cid=2388977

Essentially this is about moving our consumer product offerings to where the mass market of privacy- and security-conscious customers is. Based on our sales to date, as well as customer feedback, focus groups, and our consultations with channel partners such as ISPs and OEMs, there is a much greater market for the kind of tools that we're offering in Freedom 3.0 than there currently is for the anonymous browsing and encrypted email services.

Hope you are well.

Dov

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Dov Smith Director of Public Relations Zero-Knowledge Systems, Inc. T 514.350.7553 F 514.286.2755 mailto:dov@zeroknowledge.com www.zeroknowledge.com/media ________________________________

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-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001