Brussels, 18/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The United States has decided to authorise the export of data-protection technologies and products that are part of the "dual purpose" products (civilian and military), to the governments of 23 countries, including those of the European Union. The Clinton Administration thus aligns itself on the adoption by the EU of the regulation concerning the Community exploitation and export of dual purpose products. The Commission welcomed the decision of the American Government. Per Haugaard, Spokesman for Erkki Liikanen, declared: "this decision will allow to increase the number of encryption products and improve the technology available on the market". The American restrictions on the sale of encryption products was lifted in January, except for those that were available on the retail market and except for States suspected to supporting terrorist organisations. The other countries to which American companies may export freely are the same as for European companies: Australia, Norway, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland.