> “ Here, some argue that, to achieve at best a slight incremental improvement in security, it is worth imposing a massive cost on society in the form of degraded safety. This is untenable.“

I’d suggest if they really want to push this line of reasoning, then we should also abolish the 2nd amendment. It is there in order to revolt against the government. But it’s place also degrades the security of the country, as evidenced by the constant shooting and mass shootings that occur in American life.

Encryption is much the same way. It protects individuals against government spying, whatever their situation may be. And these products exist not just for the US, but are made by Americans for export with the American ideal of individual liberty in mind. If we remove that, it’ll get moved for China, Burma, Russia, etc.

It’s quite a price to pay for society.