“Encryption and its Role in Security and Privacy in Communications: Understanding the Technical and Policy Ins and Outs”
Presented by the FCBA Engineering and Technical Committee
Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Encryption is widely recognized as not only a tool to ensure that communications are accessible only by authorized persons, but also for other uses, such as verifying authenticity and preventing the undetected change of information content. With the rise of the digital economy and the “Internet of Things,” encryption’s role has become increasingly important in protecting against cybercrime, espionage, and other Internet-based threats. At the same time, some in the national security and law enforcement community view strong encryption as a challenge. Recent events, such as the attacks in San Bernardino, CA and Paris, France, have intensified this debate, on Capitol Hill, within the Federal agencies, and elsewhere.
AGENDA
6:00 – 6:05 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
6:05 – 6:55 p.m. A Primer on Encryption for the Non-Technical What is encryption and how does it work? Why is encryption important to communications systems, and how is it implemented in broadband devices, apps, and networks? A panel of technical aspects will explain fundamental issues of encryption in layman’s terms.
Moderator: Andrew Grosso, Principal Attorney, Andrew Grosso & Associates
Speakers: Al Clark, Strategic Operations, Silent Circle
Joseph Hall, Center for Democracy and Technology
6:55 – 7:05 p.m. Break
7:05 – 8:15 p.m. Encryption Policy Debate – Where We Are and Where We’re Going How should we balance security needs and privacy, and what are the arguments in favor and against “back doors” and court-ordered access and assistance? Is there a role for state regulation? A panel of experts will offer varied perspectives on current debates over encryption and access to electronic information and communications.
Moderator: Megan Brown, Partner, Wiley Rein LLP
Speakers: Morgan Reed, Executive Director, ACT | The App Association
David O’Brien, Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Harvard University Carrie Cordero, Law Office of Carrie Cordero, PLLC; Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center
Aaron Hiller, Minority Chief Oversight Counsel, House Judiciary Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
Jamil Jaffer, Adjunct Professor of Law & Director, Homeland and National Security Law Program, George Mason University School of Law
Joan O’Hara, General Counsel, The House Homeland Security Committee
