MrFagtron9000Jul 24, 2023

Why isn't there an end-to-end encryption standard for email so that we can get rid of fax machines?

https://lemmy.world/post/2074603

Why isn't there an end-to-end encryption standard for email so that we can get rid of fax machines? - Lemmy.world

That’s the reason we have to still use fax machines right? I know there are ways to do encryption like PGP on your message directly or I think email sent over TLS? But that isn’t the default right and that’s why I can’t send a picture of my license to the insurance company directly over email?

Show threadEnnonJul 24, 2023
Lol no, faxes do not have encryption. However, they are transferred over old school phone lines, which are not exposed to the internet, therefore making them harder to intercept. Also, federal wire tap laws are pretty beefy so risk in doing so is higher. That’s pretty much it though
Show threadnivenkosJul 24, 2023

therefore making them harder to intercept.

You mean far, far easier to intercept? You used to be able to just stick a coil around the wires.

The main issue is just a lot of countries governments’ don’t trust computers still. In Germany they insist on fax and post as it’s the only thing they can use as proof of signature in court, etc.

But it’s government laws and regulation that is behind. It’s not so much of a technical problem (although E2EE email standard would be nice!).

Show threadfsw
Well, how do you proof an email has been delivered if you don’t get a confirmation? That’s the main problem when going to court.
Jul 24, 2023 at 5:05amWeb
Show threadnivenkosJul 24, 2023
Yeah, this is a pain with faxes and letters too though - I had first-hand experience in Germany unfortunately.
Show threadJay212127Jul 24, 2023
Would be interesting to require read receipts to be on.
Show threadblackfireJul 24, 2023
You can’t without the logs from the recipient server.