Statement on Device Security

Washington, DC – Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman issued the following statement on efforts to weaken device security:

“Internet companies condemn all criminal and terrorist acts and have zero tolerance for violent or criminal activity online.  Strong encryption protects users and our nation from countless daily threats to the financial system, sensitive infrastructure (like our electric grid), and from repressive governments looking to stifle speech and democracy.

“Governments should not require the weakening of these necessary security standards.  All Americans should be concerned with a precedent that mandates vulnerabilities in encryption. Ultimately, any efforts to weaken or undermine strong encryption harm consumers and undermine our national security.”

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