The issue of gun <i>control</i> is completely absent from the US debate. Guns are discussed in terms of a false dichotomy between laissez-faire or outright banning.<p>Contrary to the impression given in the US media, there are a lot of privately owned guns in Europe. Even in the UK, there are over 700,000 licensed gun owners. Germans can own almost anything that an American can, including handguns and so-called &quot;assault rifles&quot;.<p>European countries require licenses for firearms. You have to pass tests, prove yourself to be of good character and demonstrate a legitimate purpose for gun ownership. Your guns need to be registered and stored in a safe place. Your license can be revoked if you do something reckless or criminal with a firearm.<p>The difference between crypto and a gun is that you can&#x27;t actually kill someone with cryptography. A more reasonable comparison is with cars; that comparison shows the oddity of attitudes in the US. Few Americans would argue that you shouldn&#x27;t need a driving license or that cars shouldn&#x27;t be registered and insured. Few Americans see vehicle inspection as an affront to civil liberties.