Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Wicker, Stephen B.

Titel

Forced Decryption and the Fifth Amendment: A Technical Perspective

Ist Teil von

• Proceedings of the IEEE, 2018-01, Vol.106 (1), p.3-6

Ort / Verlag

New York: IEEE

Erscheinungsjahr

2018

Quelle

IEEE

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• A clear understanding of the nature of cryptography would have a positive impact on the law of forced decryption in particular, and other cases involving cryptography in general. Computer scientists and engineers should also be concerned about the broader issues raised in these cases. Prosecutors have repeatedly asserted that cryptography is the refuge of miscreants and scoundrels, and that upstanding citizens have no need for such technology. This is demonstrably false. Strong cryptography is a powerful defense against hackers and misplaced or stolen laptops. Given that the hackers may be supported by rogue states, the best possible cryptography should be available to prevent identity theft and the other evils pursuant to the loss of personal data. Cryptography also has a strong role to play in civil liberties with regard to protecting press sources and personal financial data against unwarranted surveillance. The mere presence of encrypted information is not a sign of foul play, and computer scientists and engineers are well placed to make the argument.