Law Enforcement, User-Controlled Encryption, and Quantum Computing
New Perspectives on the Future of Encryption
Excerpts and salient points ~
+ Encryption and its effects on law enforcement’s access to data seem to occupy a perennial place in the headlines (and on Lawfare as well)…but the fierce discussion has ignored some critical factors. One of those is how changing usage patterns and technologies will affect how law enforcement can—or can’t—obtain access.
Quantum Computing
Any debate on the future of encryption should factor in the quantum issue, since any key-escrow system that relies on contemporary public-key encryption won’t stand the test of time in a post-quantum world.
+ Other reports have addressed the implications of quantum computing for subjects like the U.S.-China rivalry. But its relevance for encryption policy is one that is largely unknown in public—even though quantum computers could make all our messages readable—especially those written decades ago secured by older encryption systems.
+ Fortunately, cryptographers know this problem is coming. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has been leading an effort on post-quantum cryptography—“quantum-safe” encryption methods that can withstand quantum computers. Parties including Microsoft, Google, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, a coalition of European research institutions called the Prometheus Project, and others are also working on post-quantum solutions.
Source: R Street. Jim Baker, New Perspectives on the Future of Encryption…
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