Stopping Science: The Case of Cryptography

Abstract

Since the end of World War II, the United States government has attempted to limit the development and availability of publicly available cryptography in order to preserve and enhance its ability to monitor communications anywhere in the world. This effort had been led by the super-secretive National Security Agency (NSA). In the last decade, it has been aided by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has taken the lead in arguing for new laws restricting domestic development and use. Together the agencies have been able to successfully set government policy towards surveillance in the face of Congressional and public opposition. To limit cryptography, the agencies have lobbied for new laws, subverted standards processes, threatened academic and private cryptographers, used export control laws to influence domestic policy, and lobbied other governments and international organizations to create international restrictions. They have also eliminated or co-opted other agencies who are authorized to operate in this field. As computers and networks have become an essential part of modern life, this battle has become public.

By one measure, their actions have been successful – thus far, they have been able to delay the widespread adoption of encryption for over twenty years. However, the effectiveness of the powers are ending. Due to the Internet, demand for cryptography to protect privacy and ensure security has exploded while distribution using the Internet has made it possible to send or receive strong cryptography from nearly anywhere in the world in seconds. In the past few years, many foreign companies have sprung up. American companies and independent researchers are developing and making available new programs each day. Other governments have rejected the U.S. approach and are relaxing controls. The international consensus is now against the United States.

Keywords: encryption, cryptography, privacy, surveillance, wiretapping, National Security Agency, NSA