These are among the issues the FBI is addressing. I would like to briefly mention some of the initiatives underway that can be discussed in open session. Since then, and amidst much public misunderstandings, the FBI has been working with the telephone companies to develop cost effective solutions. After literally hundreds of meetings, we are now certain solutions can be implemented. By enacting this law and providing the initial funding, Congress has addressed one of the most difficult, complex issues ever to confront law enforcement.
Encryption is an equally difficult issue.
Law enforcement is in unanimous agreement that the widespread use of robust non-key recovery encryption ultimately will devastate our ability to fight crime and prevent terrorism. Uncrackable encryption will allow drug lords, terrorists, and even violent gangs to communicate with impunity. Other than some kind of key recovery system, there is no technical solution. Several bills have recently been introduced in Congress that address certain aspects of the encryption issue. The legislative proposals introduced thus far would largely remove existing export controls on encryption and promote the widespread availability and use of any type of encryption, regardless of the impact on public safety and national security, and these proposals do not address the public safety issue associated with the availability and use of encryption within the United States.