About ITAR
All data encryption tools are governed by the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which allows unfettered use domestically, but prohibits export of such tools to any person or entity in foreign countries without prior authorization. Your use of the tool confirms that you accept this restriction and will not export the zip file or the contained executables in any form.
The US Government considers data encryption tools a “munition” (ie: a weapon). And, as such, prohibits their export without prior review and exception by the Department of State.
Everyday, people all over the planet use a data encryption algorithm called “AES” (Advanced Encryption Standard) that was sponsored by NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology). AES has three levels of security: 128, 192 and 256. While the US Government allows AES 128 to be used generally and without restriction, they officially restrict AES 256 as “military grade” encryption. (Although it is clear that AES 256 is used widely throughout the world.)
New algorithms, like the UberCrypt Framework, are automatically in the restricted class. We wish that wasn’t the case, but it is. So, as such, at least until we can convince the Department of State otherwise, we are honoring the restriction in every way we possibly can.
That means we have to do our best, in an Internet-connected-world, to restrict usage to USA entities in USA territories – while also trying to do the good we can do by sharing this clearly superior algorithm.
Therefore, the tool enforces the use of the “-a” switch on the command line. UC Lite will not run without it. And using the “-a” switch represents your acceptance of the terms of use that you will not export or otherwise use UC Lite (in any form) anywhere other than in these great United States of America. Furthermore, use of UC Lite with the switch “-a” means that you represent that you ARE a US-based entity using UC Lite on domestic soil.
Thank you for your acceptance and understanding.