Let’s Have an “Adult” Conversation on Encryption

Since last summer, FBI Director James Comey has been signaling his intent to make 2017 the year we have an “adult” conversation about encryption technology’s impact on law enforcement investigations. He’s probably going to get his wish, but if a new report from leaders in Congress is any indication, it’s not going to be the conversation he wants. Rather, as that new report from the House working group investigating the encryption issue recognizes, having the “adult” conversation about encryption means talking about how law enforcement can adapt to a world where encryption is more common, rather than wrongheadedly forcing the technology to adapt to law enforcement’s needs.