Republicans Push Bill Requiring Tech Companies Give Encrypted Data

Re:Republicans Push Bill Requiring Tech Companies Give Encry... by triceratops on Wednesday June 24, 2020 @05:28PM (#23634078)

I think we have to go on the offensive. We can use Think of the Children to promote legislation that mandates strong encryption on online platforms. It can also prohibit any legislation that tries to incentivize companies to weaken encryption, like the EARN IT act. Maybe the latter will require a constitutional amendment, I'm not sure.

Without a law like this, we're just going to keep fighting the same battle every 4-6 years. They only have to win once, we have to win every time. It's not a fair fight.

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Re:Republicans Push Bill Requiring Tech Companies Give Encry... by nickff on Wednesday June 24, 2020 @05:34PM (#23634135)

I strongly favor end-to-end encryption, but I just don't see 'think of the children' working as an effective message in favor of anything.

I happen to believe that it was protected by the first, fourth, and ninth amendments, but I am not sure it is possible to erect permanent legal bulwarks against ever-expanding federal powers. As an example, the second amendment specifically enumerates gun rights, yet it is under constant assault. The only way I can see to protect this type of individual liberty would be to radically de-scope the federal government, but I don't think that's going to happen.

Again, I really wish I could be more optimistic, but I just don't see any realistic hope.

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