Edward Snowden Launches Global Encryption Day

The Growing Threat to Encryption and the Launch of Global Encryption Day

Individuals from diverse backgrounds – including those in marginalized communities, abuse survivors, political figures, and law enforcement personnel – all rely on encrypted communications to safeguard their sensitive information. However, the encryption protecting everyday services, such as messaging and internal corporate communications, is facing increasing challenges from governments worldwide.

While some justifications, like child protection, may be understandable, the primary motivation often centers around governmental surveillance and population control, particularly within authoritarian systems. Allowing the circumvention of encryption in democratic nations inadvertently provides justification for similar actions by dictatorships.

Introducing Global Encryption Day

In response to these concerns, a coalition of civil society organizations and technology companies is initiating a campaign advocating for robust encryption, marked by the inaugural “Global Encryption Day”.

Edward Snowden, renowned whistleblower of NSA surveillance practices and Board Member of the Freedom of the Press Foundation, will formally launch the day with a special broadcast. The event is scheduled for 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST / 3pm CET and can be viewed live here:

The Risks of Weakening Encryption

Governments frequently express concerns about criminals exploiting encrypted messaging to conceal illicit activities. However, proposals to compromise or diminish strong encryption are more likely to increase user vulnerability to cyberattacks and criminal exploitation. Creating backdoors inherently opens access to malicious actors.

In a recent statement, Snowden emphasized: “Weakening encryption directly endangers lives.” He cited the crucial role encryption played in protecting Afghan citizens following their government’s collapse. Furthermore, he highlighted the essential function of encrypted messaging apps during the Covid-19 pandemic for maintaining contact with loved ones in times of need.

Snowden continued: “My ability to reveal critical information was entirely dependent on encryption.” He warned that any attempt to weaken encryption represents a significant error with potentially devastating consequences, putting countless lives at risk.

Voices of Support

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, stated: “Safeguarding strong encryption is paramount to protecting the human rights of millions globally.” He affirmed that everyone deserves the right to privacy and security.

Wales added: “Compromising encryption jeopardizes us all. When Wikipedia was founded, implementing secure encryption for every page was financially challenging. However, it remained a core priority, and we integrated it as soon as feasible. There is no valid reason to avoid using encryption today – both governments and technology platforms have a responsibility to protect the public.”

Events Planned for Global Encryption Day

Global Encryption Day will encompass a series of online events. These include an Instagram Live session hosted by LGBT Tech, and an all-women panel discussion in Brazil, organized by a prominent civil society group, focusing on the significance of encryption.

The Global Encryption Coalition

The Global Encryption Coalition (GEC) was established by the Center for Democracy & Technology, Global Partners Digital, and the Internet Society.

The coalition aims to raise awareness and advocate for policies that support and maintain strong encryption standards worldwide.