> - In many countries guns are illegal. Yet criminals do own them. If encryption becomes illegal, criminals would still use it
Making guns illegal doesn't stop criminals from using them, but it does make it possible to jail someone only because they had a gun.
Outlawing encyrption won't stop criminals from using encryption (just look at China) but it does make it possible to jail dissidents only because they were using encryption.
Surveillance will be easier if encryption is illegal, but surveillance would be easier if everyone was obligated to wear a GPS tracker as well. "Making surveillance easier" is not sufficient to argue it should be implemented. There needs to be checks and balances. And when only the government can keep secrets, and they will, there are no more.
Making guns illegal doesn't stop criminals from using them, but it does make it possible to jail someone only because they had a gun.
Outlawing encyrption won't stop criminals from using encryption (just look at China) but it does make it possible to jail dissidents only because they were using encryption.
Surveillance will be easier if encryption is illegal, but surveillance would be easier if everyone was obligated to wear a GPS tracker as well. "Making surveillance easier" is not sufficient to argue it should be implemented. There needs to be checks and balances. And when only the government can keep secrets, and they will, there are no more.