In the wake of the awful events in Paris there is a renewed interest in trying to attack internet resources that encrypt our conversations. Despite what organisations such as #CILIP would try and have you believe there's still a great appetite to try and stop encryption. In the United States John McCain is keen to introduce legislation that would require companies to provide the government with access to encryption. It's worth saying time and time again that it's technically impossible to provide a back door to encryption that can be used by security services which can't be broken into by crooks.
Meanwhile back in the UK Boris Johnson is weighing in on the debate. He wants the government to fast track the Investigatory Powers Bill (which isn't going to give people much time to debate and consider the consequences). He also said “I have less and less sympathy with those who oppose the new surveillance powers that the government would like to give the security services.” Basically then, people who support freedom and liberty are being tarred with the same brush as the terrorists who want to destroy it. Laughably, he was also quoted as saying "I would like a better understanding of how so many operatives were able to conspire, and attack multiple locations, without some of their electronic chatter reaching the ears of the police.” He's therefore quite happy to pontificate about the subject without knowing anything at all about it.
We need to ensure that we keep a close eye on what the government is trying to do, and as information professionals I believe that we have a moral and ethical duty to keep raising the subject as often as necessary.
Great post. It was really interesting. So thanks.
Posted by: Merlin Santa | November 28, 2015 at 06:51 AM