Global Encryption Day 2023

On October 21, NNEDV’s Safety Net Team marks Global Encryption Day 2023. Internet-connected technology is now part of people’s everyday lives. This makes it important for survivors to have access to secure online communication channels. Survivors strategically use these channels for many reasons. They make plans, store and send evidence, and seek help. For safety reasons, all of these require strong encryption. Encryption is the process of turning readable data to unreadable data. It can be used to protect survivors’, service providers’, and consumer companies’ data. When using an encrypted method for communicating, disclosures and requests for assistance that survivors share with others cannot be intercepted and read by anyone else. Encryption is critical to survivors’ privacy, safety, and self-determination.

Some encryption methods are stronger than others. End-to-end (E2EE), zero-knowledge encryption is uniquely strong. It means that data is secure on each step of its journey. When used with third-party platforms, it means that even the companies providing our tech – such as email providers, Internet Service Providers, and database companies – cannot access it. The safety and privacy of survivors is vital. Without secure encryption measures, they can be placed at further risk. In addition, isolation and monitoring of communication are common tactics of abuse. Survivors need secure methods to communicate with their friends and providers to navigate the abuse safely and strategically.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in remote communications tools being created and used within victim services. These can greatly increase accessibility and help survivors of gender-based violence who want to connect with services. But, to be safe and helpful they must be secure. This security requires strong encryption.

The Internet Society has more information on encryption and Global Encryption Day. Service providers who want to learn more about secure communication technology when working with survivors can check out our Digital Services Toolkit.