Inside The Americas - The encryption debate

In-depth reports and analysis from our extensive network of correspondents throughout the region on the most important developments in Latin America. In the digital age, the government’s ability to keep track of people has reached previously unheard of levels, says the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). With the use of new technologies available, collection of information about all aspects of life is possible. As President Barack Obama proposes closer cooperation between government and industry in the use of encryption technologies to prevent possible cyber attacks against the country, governmental agencies are also opposing the use of encryption that they can’t break because they insist that they need to be able to eavesdrop on people. Yet now that many people realize how extensive eavesdropping programs are, thanks to Edward Snowden, they are pushing for the use of encryption and other technologies that will protect their rights, a trend that the ACLU supports.