21.10.2024
Encryption for everyone!
We have always stood for strong encryption.
In the digital age, the right for privacy and secure communications is more important than ever. Strong encryption plays a key role in protecting these fundamental human rights.
RKS Global supports the statement of Global Encryption Coalition, which calls for the protection and promotion of strong encryption as the foundation of a free and open society.
We call on national governments, organisations and Internet users to support and defend the right to use end-to-end encryption. Weakening encryption is unacceptable, even in the name of national security.
In the digital age, the right for privacy and secure communications is more important than ever. Strong encryption plays a key role in protecting these fundamental human rights.
RKS Global supports the statement of Global Encryption Coalition, which calls for the protection and promotion of strong encryption as the foundation of a free and open society.
We call on national governments, organisations and Internet users to support and defend the right to use end-to-end encryption. Weakening encryption is unacceptable, even in the name of national security.
Key points
- Encryption is a fundamental rightEveryone has the right to protect their personal data and communications through strong encryption.
- No weakening of encryption is acceptableAny attempt to weaken encryption, create «‘backdoors» or require encryption keys to be passed on to third parties is unacceptable and poses a security risk to all users.
- Transparency and opennessEncryption algorithms should be open to scrutiny by the expert community
- Education and awarenessThere is a need to raise public awareness of the importance of encryption and educate people on its correct use.
- Protecting developersDevelopers and companies building tools for resilient encryption must be protected from government pressure.
Legal Standard
Encryption is not just our whim or a bug of the internet. The right to encryption is an inalienable human right in the digital age. The report A/HRC/29/32 of 22 May 2015 of the UN Special Rapporteur on the use of encryption and anonymity in the transmission of digital communications notes that:
«Encryption and anonymity are seen as tools to enable people to exercise their rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the digital age».
The European Court of Human Rights in Podchasov and Others v. Russia (2024), a case brought by Roskomsvoboda and Telegram users, unequivocally emphasised the importance of protecting encryption:
«Statutory obligation to decrypt end-to-end encrypted communications disproportionately».
The court found that mandating decryption of messages weakened encryption for all users, making the systems vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks. The requirement to decrypt Telegram's «secret chats» was considered a disproportionate infringement of user security. The court noted alternative, less intrusive methods for law enforcement to gain access to communications, such as forensic examination of seized devices and better resourcing of police that do not undermine encryption.
Strong encryption is the cornerstone of digital security and freedom in today's world. Everyone should have the right to encrypt communications! This is the only way we can ensure a secure and free digital future for all!
Our team recommends using reliable and trusted tools to encrypt your data, and remember that not all messengers and social networks use end-to-end encryption. If you would like to learn more about this and learn how to choose trusted tools, use the simulator at securno.org.