What is this issue about?

A new generation of computer technology, called "Trusted Computing", is entering the market. It is expected to address many computer security concerns and enable better enforcement of rights over digital content.

The complexity of the issue derives from the fact that Trusted Computing:

• is highly technical and difficult for a lay audience to understand (it is also poorly understood by the majority of people working in information technology)
• holds promise for the development of further new technologies and applications not yet thought of
• like many emerging technologies, has apparent potential for both great benefit or great harm depending on how it is deployed, regulated, and managed
• is being promoted by a group of international corporations, and the scope for New Zealand to influence what will happen may be quite limited
• is seen by a number of reputable commentators as having wide-ranging and potentially damaging implications for government.