Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
The Battle over End to End Encryption and The EARN IT Act305 views
Author
Define, William, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Jacques, Richard, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Powell, Harry, EN-Elec/Computer Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Abstract
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is gaining traction reigniting decades old debates over encryption. The anti-encryption arguments have evolved significantly from the past. Previously, law enforcement warned of drug dealers and terrorists using encryption. However, today child sex abuse material and child predators provide a more emotionally jarring enemy to the encryption debate. Furthermore, the tech companies responsible for E2EE face increasing scrutiny under the Techlash generating skepticism toward their E2EE push. Finally, the EARN IT Act provides a mechanism for subverting E2EE indirectly. These forces channeled through the EARN IT Act present a serious threat to the E2EE status quo.
Define, William. The Battle over End to End Encryption and The EARN IT Act. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2020-05-03, https://doi.org/10.18130/v3-9n6s-ht61.