White House Acknowledges Encryption Importance in 'We the People' Petition

It's crucial for government, the private sector and others to "regularly engage to understand the impacts of encryption on national security, public health and safety, economic competitiveness, privacy, cybersecurity, and human rights around the world," the White House said in an official response Wednesday to a "We the People" petition signed by more than 100,000 people who said they don't want encrypted devices undermined by back doors. Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer Ed Felten and Michael Daniel, special assistant to the president and cybersecurity coordinator, wrote that encryption is also part of a larger discussion on fighting terrorism. "That is why, in his address to the nation on Sunday, the President reiterated the Administration’s call for America’s technology community and law enforcement and counter-terrorism officials to work together to fight terrorism. American technologists have a unique perspective that makes them essential in finding new ways to combat it," they wrote. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, which said it set up the petition, said Wednesday "really strong encryption" means "without compromises. It means encryption without so-called exceptional access capabilities. It means encryption without backdoors." However, EFF said, FBI Director James Comey and others want law enforcement access to encrypted devices.