The Java Cryptography Architecture is split into two different packages, part lies within the JDK, while the other lies within the Java Cryptology Extension. Sun had to split the architecture due to US export laws which prohibits software encryption technology from . . .
The Java Cryptography Architecture is split into two different packages, part lies within the JDK, while the other lies within the Java Cryptology Extension. Sun had to split the architecture due to US export laws which prohibits software encryption technology from being released outside of the United States or Canada (certain types of cryptographic software are considered "weapons" by the U.S. government).

Cryptography in Java was first released in JDK 1.1. It included APIs for digital signatures and message digests (hash), but was limited compared to what the platform offers today. The JDK 1.2 added security APIs that relate to cryptography, and also the Java Cryptography Extension, a separate extension with encryption, key exchange, message digest and authentication. The JCE was released separately in accordance with the United States export laws.

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