Internet Privacy: The Government Should Not Regulate Encryption or EncryptionPrivacy rights have been an important issue over time, and it has become increasingly important as we moved into the electronic/information age. Maintaining that privacy has become a growing concern for many businesses and consumers. With all the information being sent over the web, people are very worried about their personal data falling into the wrong hands. One way to protect your privacy online is to use an encryption program. While they are not completely indestructible, an encryption program is one of the best ways to protect yourself from outside intrusions. Despite this, the government also wants to introduce legislation on encryption services which can pose a potential danger both to the development of encryption systems and to your rights. According to the ACLU, the Clinton administration adopted the "Clipper Chip" plan in 1993. This proposal would require every user of encryption to provide the government with their own decryption keys. This would essentially give the government free access to all private and non-private communications, both archived and in real time. “This is the equivalent of the government requiring all builders to embed microphones in the walls of houses and apartments.” (ACLU White Paper: Big Brother in the Wires; Wiretaps in the Digital Age). There was also a proposal for the Law Enforcement Communications Assistance Act (CALEA). This FBI-based bill would “require the telecommunications industry to integrate advanced digital interception capabilities into the nation's telephone system.” (EFF press release and EFF/ACLU/EPIC joint statement on the ACP) There has been strong opposition to this plan. Many people. .....half the paper ......or force crypto users to hand over their decryption keys It seems like the government is really more focused on spying on citizens than fighting crime Doesn't seem to be enough proof to justify their claim that they need decryption keys to fight crime and terrorism (especially terrorism, I believe that if the government wants to use electronic surveillance on encrypted information, for a justifiable reason, then it should work in correspondence) . users of the encryption system. I believe that privacy is a very important right for all people; and people should be able to try to protect it to the best of their ability, as long as no one else is harmed in the process it shouldn't be taken so lightly by our government. I think Bill Clinton, of all people, would understand the need and need for privacy.