Wired's security column Kernel Panic looks at the pressure closing in on encryption, the math that scrambles messages so only the sender and the receiver can read them. The column argues the squeeze is coming from several directions at the same time.
Governments want a way to read messages tied to crime and terror cases. Some officials and safety groups also want phones and apps to scan photos and chats for illegal material. Each demand removes a little more of the promise that a private message stays private.
π The Backstory
Encryption has been fought over for decades. In the 1990s, US officials tried to limit strong encryption for the public and lost that fight. After major attacks, police again asked for special keys or backdoors into phones and apps.
In answer, companies built end-to-end encryption into apps like WhatsApp and Signal, so even the company cannot read messages. New child safety laws in the UK and Europe now push for scanning messages before they are sent, which security experts say cannot be done without weakening protection for everyone.
π― Why It Matters
Your texts, photos and bank details depend on encryption. If governments and tech companies weaken it, criminals and snoops get the same opening. Choices made now affect everyone's privacy.
Wired's security column Kernel Panic looks at the pressure closing in on encryption, the math that scrambles messages so only the sender and the receiver can read them. The column argues the squeeze is coming from several directions at the same time.
Governments want a way to read messages tied to crime and terror cases. Some officials and safety groups also want phones and apps to scan photos and chats for illegal material. Each demand removes a little more of the promise that a private message stays private.
Encryption has been fought over for decades. In the 1990s, US officials tried to limit strong encryption for the public and lost that fight. After major attacks, police again asked for special keys or backdoors into phones and apps.
In answer, companies built end-to-end encryption into apps like WhatsApp and Signal, so even the company cannot read messages. New child safety laws in the UK and Europe now push for scanning messages before they are sent, which security experts say cannot be done without weakening protection for everyone.
Your texts, photos and bank details depend on encryption. If governments and tech companies weaken it, criminals and snoops get the same opening. Choices made now affect everyone's privacy.