Encryption

What is encryption and why does it matter? These are additional resources to help you better understand encryption, why you should use it and support it through public policy.

"In cryptography, encryption (more specifically, encoding) is the process of transforming information in a way that, ideally, only authorized parties can decode. This process converts the original representation of the information, known as plaintext, into an alternative form known as ciphertext. Despite its goal, encryption does not itself prevent interference but denies the intelligible content to a would-be interceptor."

“Encryption.” Wikipedia, 25 Mar. 2025. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Encryption&oldid=1282294880.

On a practical level, EFF's page "What Should I Know About Encryption?" offers practical advice for how we can protect ourselves with encryption.

EFF's "Key Concepts in Encryption" also highlights key concepts relating to encryption, privacy and surveillance.

What Should I Know About Encryption? https://ssd.eff.org/module/what-should-i-know-about-encryption. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Encryption and public keys

(6.5 min)

EFF (The Electronic Frontier Foundation) maintains an excellent, updated page of encryption related articles.

Check out this collection of additional videos from TEDed and TED about encryption.