Encryption programs are the key to security in the Information Age. By scrambling data into unreadable text, encryption ensures the privacy of electronic communications. It gives companies and consumers confidence that their information is safe. Such confidence is critical for electronic commerce to flourish.
Encryption comes in many strengths, and strong encryption carries a price.
Strong encryption protects information from criminals, but it also protects criminals from the police. That's why the White House, backed by the FBI, has insisted on restricting exports of encryption products. Most companies are barred from exporting programs too strong to be easily cracked. Current rules apply not only to firms that want to sell encryption abroad but also to some companies that want to use strong encryption to communicate with their foreign affiliates. But export restrictions haven't deterred illegal activity.