Widespread availability of strong encryption without backdoors built-in is needed to provide that trust. The SAFE Act would help protect Americans from crime by giving us tools to protect our information from hackers and unlawful access. CDT remains concerned that the SAFE Act contains new criminal provisions that may unnecessarily stigmatize the use of encryption. However, we believe that on balance the SAFE Act would be a substantial step forward for privacy online. Developments over the last two years have confirmed the need for fundamental revision of U.S. encryption policy.
Congressional action is needed to resolve the current policy standoff.
As a civil liberties group dedicated to promoting democratic values for new electronic media, the Center for Democracy and Technology urges members of the Judiciary Committee to support the liberalization of export controls in the SAFE Act and to help Americans protect their privacy online.