House Homeland Security Committee chair calls on DHS to address terrorists’ abuse of encryption technology

Citing widely available encryption technologies that can be used by terrorists, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) recently renewed his call for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to convene an advisory panel to help better understand the challenges at hand.

McCaul, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, wrote a letter that calls on DHS leaders to draw leaders from the private sector, government and civil society to address terrorists’ abuse of encryption technologies.

“For years, I have advocated for greater collaboration between leaders across law enforcement, tech community and other stakeholders to help solve pressing national security issues, including terrorists’ abuse of widely-available encrypted communications tools,” McCaul said. “I am pleased the department is taking action to bring together the key players to address this and related security issues so we can find ways to improve cooperation between law enforcement, national security communities, private industry and others.”

McCaul released a committee report last year that concluded encryption technology safeguard Americans’ personal information — but it also presents “significant barriers” for law enforcers attempting to gain lawful access to digital evidence to ensure the safety and security of Americans.

“I look forward to continued engagement with the department and its Homeland Security Advisory Council so we can better to keep criminals and terrorists from exploiting these technologies,” McCaul concluded. “The safety and security of our citizens demand no less.”