DATA ENCRYPTION | OPINIONATED

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated…” Non-encrypted Data Collection clearly violates the fourth amendment for all US citizens, and poses a large threat for the whole nation. I stand in the affirmation on the bill due to the following reasons:

Firstly, criminals domestic and foreign intelligence agencies could exploit such features to conduct mass surveillance and steal national secrets. The editorial board for New York Times mentions, “There’s a very good chance that such a law, intended to ease the job of law enforcement, would make private citizens, businesses and the government itself far less secure.” The Wall Street Journal also explains that introducing security vulnerabilities that third parties like cops and spooks can use as needed can also be exploited by hackers, crooks and spies. A backdoor is a backdoor.

Also, not limiting data encryption harms the reputation for data security for any company. The Washington Post suggests that it is not reasonable to force companies to write new code and harm their international reputation for data security — and, therefore, their business models — in order to help the U.S. government hack into suspects’ phones.

While some may argue that decisions about accessing key evidence for criminal investigations should be made by the government, but private tech companies very much hold the right to limit data encryption. The US government has no right in ordering private companies to alter their technology. Some might still say that such companies may create a “backdoor” for the government. Afterall, a backdoor is a backdoor. If the government can enter through it, anyone can. Data encryption violates our right against search and seizure. It is high time that the US government must respect legal boundaries and protect our basic rights.