What concerns do the FBI and the law enforcement community have regarding the growing use of encryption products by the public, both domestically and abroad?
Law enforcement is extremely concerned about the serious threat posed by the use of robust encryption products that do not allow for authorized access or the timely decryption of critical evidence obtained through lawful electronic surveillance and search and seizure. On one hand, encryption is extremely beneficial when used legitimately to protect commercially sensitive information and communications. On the other hand, the potential use of such products by criminals or terrorists raises a tremendous threat to public safety and national security. In view of this, law enforcement supports a balanced encryption policy that meets both commercial and individual needs as well as law enforcement needs. The FBI has found that robust encryption, combined with a key escrow feature that permits court-authorized access to “plain text,” is the only way to achieve these two goals without seriously jeopardizing public safety.
Related Questions
- What concerns do the FBI and the law enforcement communities have regarding the growing use of encryption products by the public, both domestically and abroad?
- What concerns do the FBI and the law enforcement community have regarding the growing use of encryption products by the public, both domestically and abroad?
- Considering the increased public awareness, how should the law enforcement community respond to privacy concerns?
