Paris Attacks Fan Encryption Debate

Apparently, White House and congressional staffers have asked Silicon Valley executives for new talks in Washington (DC) to resolve a standoff over encrypted communication tools in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. The approaches are among the most concrete signs of how recent bombings and shootings have put a new spotlight on the debate about whether American companies should be allowed to offer ultrasecure messaging tools. There is no evidence the Paris attacks have changed technology companies’ view that strong encryption protects consumers, and that providing a way for police to eavesdrop would open the door to exploitation by criminals and repressive governments.

Late Nov 19, the Information Technology Industry Council, whose members include Apple and Microsoft, said in a statement, “Weakening security with the aim of advancing security simply does not make sense.” But Apple, Google parent Alphabet, Facebook and others face a difficult public-relations dance, because executives don’t want to be seen as brushing off the implications of a tragedy. “It’s not the ideal time to be out there touting the benefits of encryption,” said an attorney who has worked on encryption issues. There is no evidence Islamic State attackers in Paris relied on scrambled communications. Some used run-of-the-mill text messages, which can be easily monitored if a suspect is known, according to French media reports.