April 13, 2016

Wyden Statement on Burr-Feinstein Anti-Encryption Bill

Washington, D.C. –Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement in response to a new anti-encryption bill released today.

“The encryption debate is about having more security or having less security. This legislation would effectively outlaw Americans from protecting themselves. It would ban the strongest types of encryption and undermine the foundation of cybersecurity for millions of Americans. This flawed bill would leave Americans more vulnerable to stalkers, identity thieves, foreign hackers and criminals. And yet it will not make us safer from terrorists or other threats. Bad actors will continue to have access to encryption, from hundreds of sources overseas. Furthermore, this bill will empower repressive regimes to enact similar laws and crack down on persecuted minorities around the world,” Wyden said.

“Americans who value their security and liberty must join together to oppose this dangerous proposal. I intend to oppose this bill in committee and if it reaches the Senate floor, I will filibuster it.”

Wyden is the Senate’s most outspoken defender of strong encryption as a critical way to protect Americans information and wellbeing in the digital age. His Secure Data Act would ban any government backdoors or mandates to weaken security. Wyden recently called for an overhaul of outdated laws and precedents to protect Americans’ security and liberty.

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