Fourth Amendment Advisory Committee
Educating decision makers, engaging the public, and facilitating solutions that protect our right to privacy.
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News and past events

Protecting the Freedom to Encrypt

Widespread availability of advanced encryption technology has improved security for consumers and businesses. But as digital products and services have become more secure, some in the law enforcement and intelligence communities have voiced concerns that encryption inhibits their ability to prevent terrorism and prosecute crimes.

For example, the Department of Justice is exploring a potential legal mandate requiring companies to design their technologies to allow law enforcement to access consumer data during criminal investigations. While it is important for law enforcement to have the right tools to prevent and solve crimes, history suggests that attempts to limit encryption are impractical, impede progress in information security, create new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and make it more difficult for U.S. companies to compete abroad.

The Fourth Amendment Advisory Committee and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) held an expert panel discussion on how policymakers can protect consumer and business access to encryption and put in place policies that both encourage advances in cryptography and protect the rule of law. This event featured opening remarks by Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

PANELISTS INCLUDED:

  • William A. Carter, Deputy Director and Fellow, Technology Policy Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
  • Moderator, Daniel Castro, Vice President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)
  • Mike Godwin, Distinguished Senior Fellow, R Street Institute
  • Robyn Greene, Policy Counsel and Government Affairs Lead, Open Technology Institute, New America
  • Riana Pfefferkorn, Cryptography Fellow, Stanford University, Center for Internet and Society
  • Amie Stepanovich, U.S. Policy Manager, Access Now

* Opening remarks by Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA).

WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 2018, 10:30am
WHERE: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, HVC-200

The Fourth Amendment Advisory Committee hosts these panels to bring experts to DC and in the interest of presenting Congressional staff with informative discussion.

Pierce Stanley