Mozilla Introduces Surveillance Principles for a Secure, Trusted Internet

#encryption

Security is paramount to a trusted Internet. Encryption is a critical part of how that trust is made real. The recent events around Apple and the FBI set a dangerous precedent. Our position on these issues is simple: the FBI should not be able to require a technology company to create code that "undoes" years of security enhancements by creating additional vulnerabilities.

Even when legitimate, government surveillance can cause massive harm to user security and the Internet. Governments don't always take this harm into account when conducting their surveillance activities. The Apple case is just the latest example. We propose that governments adopt basic principles that guide the scope of their surveillance activities, balancing their legitimate needs with the broader good:

• User Security:Governments need to strengthen user security, including the best encryption, not weaken it.
• Minimal Impact:Government surveillance should minimize impact on user trust and security.
• Accountability:Surveillance activities need empowered, independent, and transparent oversight.

These principles were not proposed in a vacuum. At Mozilla, we believe that user privacy and security is fundamental, that the Internet is a global public resource, and that transparent processes promote trust and accountability. Those ideas shouldn't just apply to the way Mozilla builds its products. They can help all of us, including governments, create a safer, more trusted Internet.

So what can you do? Help advocate by being a voice for these principles. As a member of the public, talk about these issues (#encryption), share the principles and encourage your policymakers and governments to get serious about protecting users from the harms of surveillance. If you are a policymaker, you can go even further by implementing basic principles that help us all create a more secure and trusted Internet.