Encryption is used to verify messages, validate and authenticate users and authorize transactions. Banks use encryption to secure customer identification numbers at ATM machines. All U.S. electronic funds transfer messages are encrypted. Online vendors depend upon the security of credit card transactions in conducting business. Many political groups use cryptography to protect the identity of online users.
Anonymity is vital to both privacy and freedom of speech.
The U.S. Government is concerned with the abuse of this technology at the hands of criminals, terrorists and hostile foreign governments. Encryption could impede their efforts to gather information and monitor the communications related to illegal enterprises. It is believed that unbreakable cryptography could seriously hinder the efforts of law enforcement and threaten public safety. The Arms Export Control Act regulates the exports of defense articles and services to promote world peace and security. Congress authorized the President to designate a list of defense articles to be restricted from export.