Pallone and Clarke on Encryption Working Group Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) issued the following statements on the release of a year-end report by members of the bipartisan encryption working group:

"The release of this report marks the end of the encryption working group, and has laid a good foundation for the committees to examine this issue," said Pallone, an ex officio member of the working group. "A subject of this magnitude – which directly affects the public – requires a transparent and open conversation. I look forward to speaking with incoming Committee Chairman Walden about holding future hearings on the topics outlined in the report."

"Our Constitution mandates that individuals have a right to privacy, a personal realm into which the government cannot legitimately intrude," said Clarke, a member of the working group. "We also realize that law enforcement agencies need to have the ability to investigate within the boundaries of the law and that encryption has in some instances limited that function. The development of the internet has raised serious questions about the proper – and constitutional – limits of privacy. I urge my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to work with me on bipartisan proposals that will achieve a balance between privacy rights and law enforcement priorities that transcends the limitations of simplistic ‘pro-encryption vs. law enforcement' perspectives."