The idea that encryption only helps criminals is missing the point

I keep seeing people argue that strong encryption should be banned because it protects terrorists and drug dealers. But they ignore how it also protects journalists in countries like Egypt and activists in Hong Kong. A 2023 report from the EFF showed that at least 30% of human rights defenders rely on encrypted messaging to avoid retaliation. That stat never gets brought up in the debate. Why do we always treat privacy as a luxury instead of a basic safety tool for the vulnerable? Am I the only one who sees this double standard?

2 comments

2 Comments

iris_rivera4412d ago

And that EFF stat is exactly what I screenshot whenever someone starts the "encryption only helps criminals" argument.

nina_clark12d ago

The EFF basically owns the receipts on this debate.