Security News > 2020 > July > Bill Aimed at Ending 'Warrant-Proof' Encryption Introduced in House
Roughly one month after United States senators introduced a "Balanced" bill that would require tech companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted user data, a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives this week.
Referred to as the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act, the bill aims to put a stop to criminals using "Warrant-proof encryption and other technological advances" to hide their activity from authorities, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, who introduced the bill, said.
Law enforcement agencies have long argued that strong encryption hinders their ability to conduct successful investigations in certain cases, often asking for backdoors that would provide them fast access to data of interest, but tech companies have opposed these requests, arguing that backdoors would introduce serious security and privacy risks.
"Although strong encryption is vital, we cannot allow the tech industry to use encryption that blinds law enforcement and prevents it from thwarting or investigating serious crimes and national security threats, including terrorist plots, cyberattacks, and sexual exploitation," Attorney General Barr said.
"Privacy and public safety are not mutually exclusive. I am confident that the tech industry can design strong encryption that allows for lawful access by law enforcement. Encryption should keep us safe, not provide a safe haven for predators and terrorists," he continued.