US lawmaker: Next, we stop the NSA from weakening encryption

Now we’ll see how lawmakers in Congress will handle the NSA’s ability to decrypt data on the Internet and cell phones. Until then, keep on encrypting your personal and private info. - FUA

NEW YORK -- With one surveillance reform package out the door, lawmakers are working the big "what's next."

Hot on the heels of President Barack Obama signing the Freedom Act into law Wednesday, a bipartisan congressional effort is now focusing their efforts on preventing the government from weakening encryption.

An amendment put forward by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY, 4th) to a recent appropriations bill passed by overwhelming majority of 383-43 late in the day Wednesday.

Massie, a strong advocate for privacy and civil liberties, explained on the phone Thursday that his eight-line amendment will prevent the NSA, which remains an encryption expert, from working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to weaken or compromise encryption.

US lawmaker: Next, we stop the NSA from weakening encryption | ZDNet