The humble postage stamp just went digital. Last week, Britain’s state-owned
Royal Mail postal service launched a 128-bit public key encryption system.
Called ViaCode, it will initially be set up for businesses to send secure data
over the Internet, but the 350-year-old Royal Mail intends to extend this
service to the public. Customers will buy electronic certificates—a kind
of digital ID—that will allow them to carry out secure transactions
online, such as buying shares. ViaCode has no provision for key escrow, the
controversial proposal to allow government agencies access to electronic
transaction keys.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Mind
How some people's brains make an extraordinary recovery from stroke
Features

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Unapproved gene therapy for boosting longevity is set to go on sale
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
News

Life
New-to-science spider builds trap that flings ants into the air
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
How menopause radically changes the brain – and what happens after
3
The surprising ways your brain changes from your 20s to your 40s
4
People training new AI models admit they just get chatbots to do it
5
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
6
‘Fusogenic’ neurosurgery let paralysed pigs walk again – are we next?
7
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
8
New-to-science spider builds trap that flings ants into the air
9
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
10
A promising natural technique to remove CO2 could backfire