## Encryption legal issues

Certain governments attempt to restrict the availability, use, and exportation of software with cryptographic capabilities. Speak Freely was developed in Switzerland, which has no such restrictions. The Blowfish, DES, MD5, and IDEA packages it uses were obtained from an Internet site in another European country which has no restrictions on cryptographic software. If you import this software into a country which restricts cryptographic software, be sure to comply with whatever laws and regulations apply. The obligation to obey the law in your jurisdiction is entirely your own.

If you are concerned about the legal ramifications of using or redistributing software with encryption capability, a special version of Speak Freely (nicknamed "Spook Freely") with all cryptographic facilities removed is available.

The IDEA encryption algorithm is patented and may not be used commercially without a license; see "Patent issues" for further details.