Encryption is a way to protect digital data, making it possible to use the internet safely. Encryption makes sure the messages you send by WhatsApp or Signal remain confidential, helps protect journalistic sources and enables safe online banking. It is an important tool in our democracy ruled by law and our day-to-day freedom of communication.

What is encryption?

Encryption is a way to protect data by making them illegible. The data can be read only by someone who holds the right key. The data are made illegible by an algorithm, a formula so complicated that you can solve it only with the right key (or if you have an unrealistic amount of computer power at your disposal). This makes encryption extremely suitable for daily use.

Why is using encryption important?

Encryption is used to guarantee the confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of information. This may sound a little abstract, so we would like to explain this by giving an example. Thanks to encryption, for instance, you can be sure that you are dealing with your own bank and not with a party pretending to be your bank (authenticity). Thanks to encryption no one can look over your (digital) shoulder and see to whom you transfer your money because your transactions cannot be read by outsiders (confidentiality). Thanks to encryption no one can change your payment orders and reroute your money (integrity). And finally, by using encryption when storing your data, banks can make sure that your data will not be exposed in case of data breaches. The confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of the messages you exchange with others via Signal or WhatsApp are protected in the same way.

In a rapidly digitizing world it is essential to use strong encryption. It protects personal data, trade secrets and complicates (industrial) espionage. To you as an individual, encryption is essential because it enables you to collect data and to communicate in freedom.

What is Bits of Freedom's position?

Bits of Freedom believes that the Dutch government should encourage the development, availability and application of encryption and propagate this internationally as well.

The government, therefore, should invest in the development of encryption in a way that preserves the faith in encryption. Moreover, the government should promote encryption by the corporate world, together with other measures that enhance the security of our digital infrastructure.

But the government should stay away from measures restricting the development, availability and application of encryption. The government cannot put limits on the maximum length of the keys used for encryption, or demand that software comes with built-in backdoors. The government may not force others either to degrade the security of their systems to thus gain access to unencrypted information or keys.

What does Bits of Freedom do?

We talk to various Ministries to guarantee that the government maintains its position that degrading encryption is undesirable. We try to prevent government measures restricting encryption.

Lastly, we collaborate with our European counterparts, united in the umbrella organization EDRi, to convince legislators throughout Europe of the importance of stimulating encryption.