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Encryption plays a fundamental role in ensuring strong cybersecurity and users’ privacy online. End-to-end encryption in messaging services, as well as other cryptographic protocols, are essential for creating trust in the Internet and encouraging the use of online services throughout the EU.

At the same time, encryption services can also be abused by criminals, and add another layer of complexity to criminal investigations. In this context, several national governments have called in the past for Internet Service Providers to implement “software backdoors” to obtain lawful access to private communications of suspected criminals. Experience has however shown that such measures will always be exploited by ill-intentioned hackers, undermining privacy and undermining privacy and cybersecurity for all users and businesses online. Ultimately, the debate on encryption requires to find a delicate balance between different security needs, including by protecting citizens from criminals, as well as by ensuring a robust IT infrastructure.

The event will aim to ensure a level-playing field of knowledge across policy-makers and stakeholders on the importance of encryption for the functioning of the Internet and on the existing cooperation between ISPs and law enforcement.

  • Programme

    Welcome and introduction

    Patrick Breyer MEP and EIF Member

    Speakers

    Maximilian Schubert, President of EuroISPA

    Ceren ?nal, Regional Policy Manager Europe, Internet Society 

    Birgitta J?nsd?ttir, Internet Archive Fellow, Electronic Frontier Foundation

    Bert Hubert, Founder of PowerDNS

    Cathrin Bauer-Bulst, Acting Head of the Cybercrime Unit, European Commission DG HOME

    Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rules

    Closing remarks

    Rasmus Andresen MEP and EIF Member

Practical information

18 February 2020 12:30 - 14:00

European Parliament
Members' Salons
Rue Wiertz 60
Brussels

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Speakers

  • Patrick Breyer MEP, EIF Member
  • Maximilian Schubert President EuroISPA
  • Ceren Ünal Regional Policy Manager Europe Internet Society
  • Birgitta Jónsdóttir Internet Archive Fellow Electronic Frontier Foundation
  • Bert Hubert Founder PowerDNS
  • Cathrin Bauer-Bulst Acting Head of the Cybercrime Unit European Commission DG HOME
  • Rasmus Andresen MEP, EIF Member