He is the former debate coach of the St. John's School in Houston and has a degree in economics from George Mason University. Encryption is a method of encoding almost any kind of data that is transmitted electronically so that only the intended recipient can read the data.
Encryption uses mathematical algorithms that substitute strings of numbers for bits of information.
Decryption of the information requires a mathematical key. The government has attempted to regulate strong encryption out of concern that criminal activities might be coordinated under cover of encryption that was sophisticated enough to prevent law enforcement from capturing the criminals or preventing the crime. Although the courts have protected software makers' rights to produce software that utilizes strong encryption, the government has succeeded in banning the export of software that uses strong encryption. In this way, the government has had some success in limiting the spread of strong encryption. Of course, our government cannot prevent people in other countries from producing strong encryption products, and some of the best encryption technology comes from Europe, South Africa, and Scandinavia.