Tech Industry Warns President of Risks in Compromising Encryption

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON – In a letter released today, leading associations representing the technology industry wrote to President Barack Obama to say they oppose “any policy actions or measures” by the federal government that would undermine encryption technologies. Citing encryption technology’s role in protecting consumer privacy and securing the integrity of data in the global digital infrastructure, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) asked the President to work with the technology industry to find a pathway forward that “preserves security, privacy, and innovation.” 

The letter warns against policies that mandate the weakening of encryption or the ill-conceived notion of building in dedicated “work-arounds” for government agencies to access information. The letter also states that in addition to being technologically impractical, such policies would “compromise the security” of technology products and services, “rendering them more vulnerable to attacks” by criminals or bad actors. It would also “erode consumers’ trust in the products and services they rely on for protecting their information.”   

Recognizing that “the issue at hand is extremely complex, with implications both domestically and internationally” the industry groups seek to open a dialogue on policies surrounding encryption and offer to help develop a framework for further discussions.

The letter, text of which is included below, can be viewed by clicking here:

June 8, 2015                          

Dear President Obama,

The undersigned associations, representing a wide range of companies in the technology sector, write in connection with encryption technologies that companies incorporate into their products and services. This correspondence is intended to provide clarity on our position and to help develop a framework for further dialogue. We also take this opportunity to point out the global implications of certain policy measures relating to encryption.

We are opposed to any policy actions or measures that would undermine encryption as an available and effective tool. As you know, encryption helps to secure many aspects of our daily lives. Encryption is an essential asset of the global digital infrastructure, enabling security and confidentiality for transactions as well as assurances to individuals that their communications are private and information is protected. For example, the rapid growth in online commerce would not have happened but for consumers’ trust that their payment information is secure. Consumer trust in digital products and services is an essential component enabling continued economic growth of the online marketplace.

Accordingly, we urge you not to pursue any policy or proposal that would require or encourage companies to weaken these technologies, including the weakening of encryption or creating encryption “work-arounds.” We appreciate that, where appropriate, law enforcement has the legitimate need for certain information to combat crime and threats. However, mandating the weakening of encryption or encryption “work-arounds” is not the way to address this need. Doing so would compromise the security of ICT products and services, rendering them more vulnerable to attacks and would erode consumers’ trust in the products and services they rely on for protecting their information.

In addition to these security and trust concerns, the U.S. policy position on encryption will send a signal to the rest of the world. Should the U.S. government require companies to weaken encryption technology, such requirements will legitimize similar efforts by foreign governments. This would threaten the global marketplace as well as deprive individuals of certain liberties.

We are committed to finding pathways forward that preserve security, privacy, and innovation. We know the issue at hand is extremely complex, with implications both domestically and internationally. We hope that by being clear in defining the nature of the problem and our position we can contribute to the current dialogue. We look forward to continuing this discussion with your administration.

Sincerely,

Information Technology Industry Council   •   Software & Information Industry Association

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About ITI:  The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies.  ITI navigates the relationships between policymakers, companies, and non-governmental organizations, providing creative solutions that advance the development and use of technology around the world. Visit http://www.itic.org/to learn more. Follow us on Twitter for the latest ITI news and other alerts: @ITI_TechTweets

About SIIA:  SIIA is the leading association representing the software and digital content industries. SIIA represents approximately 800 member companies worldwide that develop software and digital information content. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. For more information, visit www.siia.net.