Encryption is an important part of modern digital society. With the rapid transformation into the digital ecosystem, the threat to digital data increases day by day due to smart black hat hackers. Hence, strong encryption algorithm implementation is demanded by the end consumers and by the industry to protect individuals and the industry’s sensitive information. Until a few days back, recoverable encryption was used by device manufacturers, app providers, and the telecommunication industry. The data exchanged between two parties was stored in the server and could recoverable if needed.
With the end-to-end encryption (E2E) adaptation by an instant messaging service provider, the data can only be accessed by the intended user. The technology uses a public key encryption scheme to achieve strong privacy for the end-users.
There are a lot of concerns and dilemmas among various stakeholders regarding the use of E2E encryption. One of the major issues is ” Going dark.” Law enforcement agencies of countries like the USA, UK, New Zealand, India are skeptical in the adaptation of E2E encryption as it will be impossible for them to access data when and where they want in the interest of national security and has frustration losing controls.
E2E encryption helps protect identity, protect privacy rights, access free information, guarantee freedom of expression, allow users to communicate privately, immunity from undue surveillance, and protect democratic values. But it brings fears like child and woman abuse, uncontrolled spread of fake news.
Five eyes alliance comprises of US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand jointed by Japan and India call on technology companies to work with Governments and come up with the solution for law enforcement agencies to access E2E encryption.
These seven country governments want tech-companies to incorporate the public’s safety in the system design and give law enforcement agencies access to the contents in a readable and usable format. Here comes the debate of prioritizing security over safety.
Researchers have come up with some of the solutions to the problems of E2E encryption is the use of privacy-preserving cryptography, zero-trust network, and multi-party computation.
With this context, AISS would be organizing an exclusive session on “E2E encryption” to listen to the various stakeholders of this area.