Why citizens need encryption as a fundamental human right

Some government agencies use terrorist attacks to justify limiting encryption. TechRepublic spoke with two UN reporters who explained why encryption is critically important for all citizens.

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The report acknowledges that law enforcement agencies are right to be concerned about the "dark" side of encryption, and that "terrorists and ordinary criminals use encryption and anonymity to hide their activities, making it difficult for Governments to prevent and conduct investigations into terrorism."

The report goes on to state that law enforcement agencies have a number of alternative tactical tools to catch criminals, and that many of these agencies "often use the same [encryption] tools to ensure their own operational security in undercover operations, while members of vulnerable groups may use the tools to ensure their privacy in the face of harassment." Often, said the report, vulnerable groups include victims of harassment, domestic violence, and cyberbullying.


Why should the public be concerned with encryption?


Salima Yacoubi, reporter: "Encryption comes down to privacy of thought, I think. You need internal thoughts to develop on their own. If you turn off the ability to communicate privately, you turn off the ability to think."

What should you look for in good, secure communication tools?

Sampathkumar: "I rely on easy-to-use tools like browser plugins. In the rush of getting a story done, easier is better and makes it more likely that I'll use an encryption tool and exercise the necessary caution."

Yacoubi: "A good privacy policy."

What are the warning signs of poorly encrypted apps?

Sampathkumar: "I avoid anything with a lot of flashing ads, or lacks strong password protection. I'm more a reporter than a techie, so I also ask tech experts before jumping into apps I haven't heard of."


What is a sensible personal policy for private communication?

Sampathkumar: "Everything I do is 2-factor password protected, stored in secure files, or just plain offline."


Getting started with personal encryption:

For local email:


Secure your Gmail:


On mobile:

  • Telegram often flirts with controversy due to it's strong privacy controls, cloud sync, and media sharing features.

Other messaging apps:

  • The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Secure Message Scorecard helps users make informed decisions about a variety of popular messaging services.

See also: