Example Of Cryptography And Free Speech Essay

In line with the position of many in the crypto community, my feeling is that banning encryption or cryptography will not stop terrorists and criminals from using it, but will necessary adversely affect its use in more worthy circumstances such as for dissidents, human rights workers, and even business associations. More practically, how would a ban on cryptography even be implemented. Just as people have historically made up their own “secret languages” to communicate with a chosen few, how would banning cryptography stop someone with enough expertise to create their own encrypted system. Furthermore, despite some of the arguments from the opponents of cryptography, it is reasonable that the government has the resources, funds and expertise to “crack” any system they want. The recent Apple iPhone case is a perfect illustration of this fact. Despite the FBI’s initial claims that it would not be able to access the iPhone without Apple’s held, in the end they were indeed, able to access by another means.
Privacy is a fundamental right that has been made even more important in our modern information society where personal data can potentially be worth thousands of dollars. Accordingly, zealous advocacy for privacy is much more than “feeling” protected it produces real and legitimate safeguards from unauthorized privacy invasions. The events of September 11, 2001 and other incidents such as the Paris and Brussels attacks were the terrorists most likely used encrypted communication, does not change my stance of the principle that encryption should not be banned. On the other hand, the government’s response to the war on terrorism as revealed by the 2013 Edward Snowden leaks, has only strengthened my belief that encryption and cryptography is essential. Again, the availability of encryption is a two-way street. Despite the fact that it can and has been used for evil purposes, that is the case for almost every form or technology invented and that will be invented. However, the beneficial uses of encryption cannot be ignored. It is on that basis that it should be made free available.