In the 90â(TM)s, we developed Windows software that encrypted and signed email, offered secure file transfer, secure FAX, and secure chat. It was simple to use and incorporated the latest RSA libraries (before the scandal). It blocked email that failed dkim. We had law firms expressing interest.
We were going to charge $99. And, we even ported it Mac so it was cross platform.
Then, Microsoft and Netscape offered encrypted email for free just as we were to about accept VC. And WinSCP allowed secure file transfer. The interest in our product went poof overnight.
How do you convince people they should spend $99 when they could use MSâ(TM) or Netscapeâ(TM)s bogus implementation for free? Keep in mind, they had no idea how much their privacy really mattered until they are scammed or installed malware. They still donâ(TM)t.
Microsoft did nothing to make their process easy to use. But, they were Microsoft, right?
We never launched.
Still kicking myselfâ¦but we ran out of money trying to overcome ignorance.
Anyway, the Brits are used to their privacy being invaded by their govâ(TM)t. Nothing new there. Whether that laziness persists across nations? Who knows?
Just glad Apple took the path they did. Short of turning iCloud entirely and get everyone screaming and, likely, more pointless lawsuits and judgments, they just said F it.