The Effect of Encryption on Lawful Access to Communications and Data

Tags: 2010s Law Enforcement

Published: February 2017

URL: https://www.csis.org/programs/strategic-technologies-program/intelligence-surveillance-and-privacy/effect-encryption

Abstract: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conducted a study, resulting in this report, regarding the the increase in use of encryption and evaluating its impact upon “security, public safety, and critical business interests,” particularly in regard to its impact on law enforcement capabilities and concerns about going dark. It concludes that the challenges and frustrations faced by law enforcement are notable, but that alternatives on the regional, national, and international levels–albeit imperfect–currently provide enough capability to politically outweigh the costs and risks of an approach that restricts encryption or imposes mandatory designs.