Privada launches anonymous email service

US company Privada today launched proprietary software that sends and receives email anonymously. Neither Privada nor the Internet service providers (ISP) to whom it sells, can link the subscriber's digital ID to their real name and contact details. This is the first privacy solution to offer customers more than an intangible guarantee of security.

Concerns that the service could boost the traffic of pornography and other illegal communications have been addressed. A Privada spokeswoman told Silicon News: "We make it clear to subscribers that we can monitor their online activities if necessary. But only if a legal subpoena is brought against that person can we flick a switch and decode their digital signature."

The software was developed in response to US government insistence that companies develop privacy solutions - or else face regulation. The number of companies trading the personal preferences and surfing habits of online shoppers is increasing dramatically.

Privada will sell its software solution direct to US-based ISPs who can integrate it with their existing email client. All the end user will see is the option to send an email or newsgroup message anonymously. Privada hopes to announce its first two contracts next week.

An anonymous ecommerce solution is due in September, and a Web browsing component - which blocks out certain cookies - is scheduled for January 1999.