Encrypted Flarmnet files and 3rd party software

At 19:31 19 March 2015, wrote:
On Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 11:31:25 AM UTC-7, jfitch wrote:
I think this merits its own thread. Due to legal concerns, Flarmnet has
e=
ncrypted their files, and as I understand it most displays including the
Bu=
tterfly will no longer show pilot or glider information. This is separate
f=
rom the opt in/out of tracking as I understand it.

I haven't played around much with this stuff, yet, but I assume that
since
=
Butterfly runs FlarmNet, their displays will certainly have access to a
sui=
tably encrypted database. They may also choose (or not) to pass the
encryp=
ted database and keys to LXNAV, LX Avionics, and other manufacturers of
har=
dware devices. Where this is going to be a problem is with software like
X=
CSoar, LK8000, etc., as I don't believe there is any way to distribute an
e=
ncrypted database for use with open source software, without revealing a
de=
cryption key that can be used by the "bad guys" (OGN).

Personally, my preferred way to handle this would be to refuse to
register
=
my Flarm device with a private company that does not make their (opt-in
onl=
y, of course) database openly available, and instead register with a
compan=
y or organization that promises to make the data open to all. About all
tha=
t database need contain is a tail number, glider type, and perhaps pilot
fi=
rst name and last initial. I note that one can now register their Flarm
de=
vice with OGN, but they do not appear to have a link available to
download
=
their database. Perhaps they should...

Marc

It is early days for the OGN file. I guess the first priority is to get OGN
up and running with the Flarm Tracking Server.

Have you subscribed to the Open Glider Network discussion group
(http://wiki.glidernet.org/contact)? Perhaps you could influence the
design.

Tim.