Global Encryption Day 2025

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On October 21, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)’s Safety Net team marks Global Encryption Day 2025. Internet-connected technology is now part of so many of our everyday lives, and this includes the lives of survivors and many victim service providers who are working to support them all around the world. It is important for survivors to have access to secure online communication channels and for service providers to be able to not only communicate securely, but also to keep data safer online.

Survivors are knowledgeable, and many are tech savvy. They are strategically using secure channels such as email, messaging apps, and other digital platforms 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 into unreadable data in order to help keep it safe.

Using properly encrypted methods for communicating reduces the risk that survivor disclosures, personally identifying information, and requests for assistance will be intercepted and read by anyone else. Encryption is not a full solution for survivors or programs. It is important to know that if someone has access to a device, has installed stalkerware on a device, or is logged into the platform directly, they can still see messages in plain text. However, encryption is critical to survivors’ privacy, safety, and self-determination.

Part of a victim service provider’s confidentiality obligation is ensuring that no one accesses survivors’ personal data without a release of information. Encryption is important to upholding these obligations. If a device is stolen, lost, or gets into the hands of an unauthorized person and is taken from a staff member’s control, device encryption, combined with the device being turned off, can help guard against survivor data being accessed without permission using technology.

Some types of encryption are stronger than others. Having both end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for data that is moving between devices, and zero-knowledge encryption while the data is stored, is a strong foundation. When used with third-party platforms, it means that even the companies providing those platforms – such as email providers, Internet Service Providers, and database companies – cannot access it.

Encryption has many uses in both child and adult safety. It can serve as a lifeline for children in families witnessing domestic violence or experiencing child abuse. They can strategically safety plan and communicate safely from a distance with a non-abusive parent, a trusted adult, or advocacy services. Other examples of scenarios where having strong encryption is important for adult and child survivor safety include:

  • An adolescent seeking help from a youth dating violence service provider.

  • An anti-human-trafficking provider trying to communicate with a heavily-surveilled adult or child survivor.

  • A domestic or sexual violence victim service provider whose organization is being targeted by cybercriminals. This is a sadly common situation for human services and nonprofit organizations.

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.

To learn more: