Cryptography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 22
Coda
As I've been writing this topic, I've been haunted by the possibility
that there may be something inherently evil or wrong in these algo-
rithms. If criminals are able to hide information so effectively, justice
becomes more elusive. There is less the police can do before a crime
is committed and there is less evidence after the fact. All of the ideas
in this topic, no matter how philosophical or embellished with alle-
gory or cute jokes, carry this implicit threat.
This threat became a bit more obvious after the destruction of the
World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. Some news reports of-
fered the supposition that the attackers may have coordinated their
efforts by hiding information in images. While there is no evidence
that this occurred as I rewrite this chapter, there's no doubt that it
could have occurred.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, or at least its senior
officers, are clearly of the opinion that they need ready access to all
communications. If someone is saying it, writing it, mailing it, or
faxing it, the Bureau would like to be able to listen in so they can
solve crimes. This is a sensible attitude. More information can only
help make sure that justice is fair and honest. People are convicted
on the basis of their own words—not the testimony of stool pigeons
who often point the finger in order to receive a lighter sentence.
The arguments against giving the FBI and the police such power
are more abstract and anecdotal. Certainly, the power can be tamed
if everyone follows proper procedures. If warrants are filed and
chains of evidence are kept intact, the power of abuse is minimized.
But even if the police are 100 times more honest than the average
citizen, there will still be rogue cops on the force with access to the
communications of everyone in the country. This is a very powerful
