The debate around encryption and cryptography on the Internet has ebbed and flowed for almost twenty years. The initial debate primarily centered on the export of cryptography and encryption technology, the “Crypto Wars.” In the last three years, the debate has focused on the use of encryption to facilitate the privacy of data. To help understand this debate, and provide additional resources for those attending or missed the World Hosting Days night.Talk: “Banning Encryption, introducing Back-doors, wholesale Monitoring: Does this Improve our Security or is it Bullshit?” You can find more info about that night.TALK here. You can engage the conversation across social networks through #BanningEncryption.

UPDATE: Here are some photos from last night’s event!

I’ve compiled a short list of commentary and articles on encryption.

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Announcement that the crypto wars of the 90’s were over.

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1998 Washington Post description on how encryption works and the policy debates surrounding it.

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Study on attitudes towards privacy following the NSA revelations.

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Discussion of how to view privacy in the age when the expense to government of surveillance is cheap (the Bankston-Soltani Principle.)

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2013 Wiretap report shows only incidental effects to LEA of encryption.

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Report that US and UK spies compromised SIM cards.

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Poll of security and privacy professionals dispute claims that encryption threatens national security.

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FBI Chief Comey takes stand on push toward encryption.

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UK Parliament report on privacy and transparency in surveillance.

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Article from the Center for Democracy and Technology discussing why freely available encryption and cryptography technology is important.

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