Government regulation of encryption software will stifle a burgeoning Canadian software industry, limit personal freedom, and be impossible to enforce, a group of cryptography experts told the federal government today. It is the key, enabling technology that will allow Canadians to keep our personal information and communications private without fear of eavesdropping, as well as safeguard the security of our online transactions, without fear of fraud. If the government places restriction on the use of cryptography, it would do more harm than good. Jones delivered recommendations to Industry Canada today from 14 cryptography experts who oppose government regulation of cryptography.
Encryption is a technology that employs complex mathematical algorithms to encode data.
It provides consumers and businesses a level of trust by securing sensitive information such as credit card numbers and cellular phone transmissions. The Industry Canada document asked for public input into how Canada should develop laws regarding the encryption of stored information, information in transit and the export of encryption software. The government is concerned with how to best balance the interests of consumers, business, and law enforcement in its policies towards this emerging technology. The deadline for recommendations is April 21. However, encryption has become a major concern for law enforcement officials.