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