Compatibility, competition, and control in trusted computing environments

Trusted computing (TC) technologies deployed in the PC platform could shift the balance of power in some on-line interactions away from computer end-users and consumers of information goods and services. This effect occurs when remote attestation features make previously indistinguishable software configurations distinguishable; service and information goods providers can then discriminate against disfavored client software. Network externalities mean that even those who don't opt-in to TC use may still be harmed by widespread TC deployment. These effects might be “defanged” by some technical changes to TC designs.