i2Coalition Launches ‘Encryption at Risk’ Report and Website

New Platform Examines Global Threats to Strong Encryption and the Security of Digital Communications

April 21, 2026—Washington, D.C. Today, the i2Coalition (Internet Infrastructure Coalition) is launching a new policy report and companion website, Encryption at Risk. This new project shines a light on a dangerous and growing global trend: government efforts to weaken, circumvent, or mandate access to encryption.

The report and website (encryptionatrisk.org) document how legislative and regulatory actions around the world are introducing systemic risks into encrypted systems—undermining security, user trust, and the foundational protections that enable digital commerce, privacy, and free expression.

“Encryption is the security layer of the modern Internet,” said Christian Dawson, Executive Director of the i2Coalition. “Where DNS at Risk showed how governments are misusing infrastructure to control access to information, Encryption at Risk shows what happens when policies target the security of communications themselves. Weakening encryption isn’t a precise tool targeting only criminals—it affects everyone, and it creates vulnerabilities that cannot be contained.”

The Encryption at Risk report examines policies such as client-side scanning mandates, lawful access requirements, and technical capability orders that compel providers to alter or undermine encryption systems. Drawing on global case studies from regions including the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and others, the report highlights how these approaches introduce systemic weaknesses, even when framed as targeted or limited interventions.

This initiative is designed as a living resource. The website enables policymakers, researchers, and industry participants to explore case studies and contribute new examples of encryption-related policy impacts from around the world.

Key goals of the Encryption at Risk initiative include:

• Documenting real-world examples of policies that weaken or circumvent encryption
• Explaining the technical reality that any mandated access mechanism introduces systemic risk
• Highlighting the economic, security, and human rights implications of undermining strong encryption
• Supporting evidence-based policymaking that preserves the integrity of secure communications

“When governments turn to technical control points—whether DNS or encryption—they don’t just solve for a narrow policy goal, ”said Dawson. “They reshape the architecture of the Internet itself, often in ways that are irreversible and globally impactful. Furthermore, those who are fighting against these kinds of measures can learn from each other’s efforts, and this project can help facilitate that.”

About Encryption at Risk

Encryption at Risk is a research, advocacy, and public education initiative of the i2Coalition. Building on the foundation of DNS at Risk, it focuses on how government mandates and policy proposals are placing pressure on encryption systems worldwide. The project combines technical analysis, policy context, and real-world case studies to support informed decision-making and protect the security of digital communications. Visit encryptionatrisk.org to learn more or to contribute a case study.

About the i2Coalition

The i2Coalition (Internet Infrastructure Coalition) is the voice of the Internet’s builders. Representing web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, and managed services providers, we advocate for policies that protect innovation and support the Internet’s critical role in the global economy.

Our story began in 2011 during the successful fight against SOPA and PIPA, rallying the industry to protect the free flow of information online. Since formally founding in 2012, the i2Coalition has championed initiatives to keep the Internet open, secure, and accessible.

To learn more about the i2Coalition and explore membership, please visit i2Coalition.com.