What year was the COCOM policy established and what was its focus regarding encryption?

The COCOM (Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls) policy was established as part of efforts to control the export of strategic goods and technologies, which included encryption technologies. The correct choice reflects that in 1991, the policy shifted towards allowing exports of encryption so long as they did not go to countries deemed dangerous or a threat. This was significant because, prior to this policy change, there were stricter controls that largely banned the export of encryption technologies altogether. The focus of this policy was to facilitate trade and cooperation while still addressing national security concerns by restricting the technology from reaching potentially hostile nations.

The year 1991 marked a pivotal moment where the balance between enabling technological advancement and ensuring security was actively navigated, making the details of this policy shift particularly important in understanding the evolution of encryption regulation.