Security News > 2020 > June > New Bill Targeting ‘Warrant-Proof’ Encryption Draws Ire

Privacy advocates are decrying a new bill, which would force tech companies to unlock encrypted devices if ordered to do so by law enforcement with a court issued warrant.

"Any sort of backdoor or weakened encryption can be used by adversaries to gain access to unauthorized data, not to mention the potential for abuse by law enforcement, despite assurances to the contrary. Finally, if this bill were to pass, people who are conducting nefarious activity will just switch to tools that are built outside of the United States where there will be no backdoor access. So, the FBI will not only not be able to access the data, they won't even be able to access unencrypted metadata that can prove very valuable in tracking down bad guys."

The new bill also directs the Attorney General to create a "Prize competition" that awards participants who create a "Lawful access solution in an encrypted environment." Finally, it also funds a grant program within the Justice Department's National Domestic Communications Assistance Center to increase digital evidence training for law enforcement and creates a call center for advice and assistance during investigations.

"Tech companies' increasing reliance on encryption has turned their platforms into a new, lawless playground of criminal activity. Criminals from child predators to terrorists are taking full advantage. This bill will ensure law enforcement can access encrypted material with a warrant based on probable cause and help put an end to the Wild West of crime on the Internet," said Cotton in a statement.

The bill argued that end-to-end encryption protects online predators.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/new-bill-targeting-warrant-proof-encryption-draws-ire/156877/