Scenario: Mobile Device Encryption and Security

[CatTruxillo]

This is a discussion forum for the activities in the Privacy and Security module of the Free SAS e-learning course, Responsible Innovation and Trustworthy AI.

Scenario: Mobile Device Encryption and Security

Consider This: 

 If a mobile device is used to plan a terrorist activity, a mass shooting, or another crime that threatens public safety, then should the mobile service provider be required to de-encrypt and share the information with law enforcement? 

Please share your ideas in this discussion. 

[Rogerio_Neiva]

Yes, absolutely. Privacy is not an absolute right. For example, I cannot say to the IRS / Tax Authority to forget me (I wish). In any criminal activity, and under a court order and supervision, everyone must cooperate.

[DavidGould]

There is a very different model for considering privacy and security.  If the purpose of privacy is to protect from harm, then reciprocal transparency is a more effective approach - this means watching the watcher. 

https://www.davidbrin.com/transparency.html

[CarlosBarrera]

Yes. Following a due diligence process that take into account legal and enforcement parts, could be an option. Of course, the mobile service provider can say NO in case the process has not been fully completed.

[VernonHunte]

The right to privacy is fundamental, but it cannot be absolute—there are circumstances where access to encrypted data may be necessary to protect public safety. However, any solution must be designed with the utmost safeguards to prevent misuse. One of the most interesting considerations in this debate is ensuring that innocent people are protected in such environments from authoritarian regimes from weakened encryption or backdoors.

[jomana-khatib]

If a mobile device is linked to a serious crime, such as terrorism or a mass shooting, a utilitarian perspective supports requiring mobile service providers to decrypt and share data to protect public safety. However, this raises ethical concerns about privacy and may damage the provider’s reputation for user trust and data protection. Balancing security and privacy remains a complex but critical challenge.

[mareezeshak]

I completely agree. Mobile security encryption is essential to protect personal data, and at the same time, ensuring that it can help detect and prevent illegal or harmful activities is very important.