Re: Comments on (draft-ietf-pkix-logotypes-05.txt)

[pgut001@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Peter Gutmann)]

First, Bob Jueneman suggested MPEGs in certificates as a joke.  This is now
being standardised in the logotypes draft.

Then I suggested theme music in certificates as a joke.  This is now being
standardised in the logotypes draft.

Now, in an attempt to make the discussion even more surreal, I give you...

4.3. Scent logotypes

Alongside audio and video logotypes, it may be desirable for certificates to
carry scent logotypes in order to uniquely brand certificate holders in a
manner meaningful to relying parties.  For example, McDonalds may choose to
imbue their certificates with the aroma of fried beef patties and grilled
cheese, the National Park Service may choose the essence of pure Colorado
mountain air with just a hint of pine, and the NRA would use a heady mixture
of cordite and gun oil.

The new logotype would be implemented in the form of scratch-n-sniff
certificates, and will assist relying parties in making informed decisions as
to whether a particular certificate is trustworthy and relevant for its
intended usage.  Service providers and product vendors invest a lot of money
and resources into creating a strong relation between positive user
experiences and easily recognizable scents such as grilled beef, fresh air,
and cordite, allowing easy and familiar branding of certificates.

The scent logotype extension MUST have the following syntax:

      LogotypeScent ::= SEQUENCE {
         scentSubtype    IA5String, -- MIME scent subtype
         scent           OCTET STRING }

A MIME type is used to specify the format of the file containing the scent
logotype data.  The scent element contains the scratch-n-sniff scent logotype
associated with the certificate.

7.1. Security considerations

Implementors should be aware that there exists the potential for confusion
among relying parties when evaluating similar scent logotypes.  For example,
relying parties may not be able to meaningfully differentiate between the
logos for McDonalds and Burger King, or Hersheys and Nestle, or Sealord and
Penthouse.  Resolution of this issue lies outside the scope of this memo.