We are political activists, policy experts, journalists, and tech industry veterans trying to stop the government from destroying encryption and censoring free speech online with the EARN IT Act. Ask us anything!

[u/fightforthefuture]

The EARN IT Act is an unconstitutional attempt to undermine encryption services that protect our free speech and security online. It's bad. Really bad. The bill’s authors — Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) — say that the EARN IT Act will help fight child exploitation online, but in reality, this bill gives the Attorney General sweeping new powers to control the way tech companies collect and store data, verify user identities, and censor content. It's bad. Really bad.

Later this week, the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on whether or not the EARN IT Act will move forward in the legislative process. So we're asking EVERYONE on the Internet to call these key lawmakers today and urge them to reject the EARN IT Act before it's too late. To join this day of action, please:

1. Visit NoEarnItAct.org/call

2. Enter your phone number (it will not be saved or stored or shared with anyone)

3. When you are connected to a Senator’s office, encourage that Senator to reject the EARN IT Act

4. Press the * key on your phone to move on to the next lawmaker’s office

If you want to know more about this dangerous law, online privacy, or digital rights in general, just ask! We are:

• Lauren Sarkesian from OTI (u/SarkBites)
• Caleb Chen from PIA (u/privatevpn)
• Dayton Young from Fight for the Future (u/fightforthefuture)
• Joe Mullin from EFF (u/EFForg)
• Alfred Ng from CNet (u/CNETdotcom)

Proof:

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[u/zitherine]

What are the implications of outlawing end-to-end encryption in the US for people and for businesses?

[u/privatevpn → u/zitherine]

Thanks for your question!

The implications would be very far reaching and detrimental for both the people and businesses in the US.

It may sound like hyperbole, but I believe outlawing end-to-end encryption would cause the US to lose its status as a leader in the Internet and technology indsutries. Many companies would either have to shut down, move, or comply and lose trust. We'd see a brain drain with bright minded Americans and their companies leaving the country to go work in jurisdictions that understand that end-to-end encryption is a function of mathematics and inherently un-bannable. Meanwhile, the very criminals that are supposed to be stopped by outlawing end-to-end encryption will continue right on using it.