[kictanet] Fwd: [Chapter-delegates] STATEMENT: Internet Society Responds to Reports of the U.S. Government’s Circumvention of Encryption Technology

[Barrack Otieno]

Listers,

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Wende Cover <cover at isoc.org>
Date: Mon, Sep 9, 2013 at 10:58 PM
Subject: [Chapter-delegates] STATEMENT: Internet Society Responds to
Reports of the U.S. Government’s Circumvention of Encryption Technology
To: "chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org" <chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org>


 Internet Society Responds to Reports of the U.S. Government’s
Circumvention of Encryption Technology****

** **

The Internet Society is alarmed by continuing reports alleging systematic
United States government efforts to circumvent Internet security
mechanisms.  The Internet Society President and CEO, Lynn St. Amour, said,
“If true, these reports describe government programmes that undermine the
technical foundations of the Internet and are a fundamental threat to the
Internet’s economic, innovative, and social potential. Any systematic,
state-level attack on Internet security and privacy is a rejection of the
global, collaborative fabric that has enabled the Internet's growth to
extend beyond the interests of any one country.” ****

** **

The Internet Society believes that global interoperability and openness of
the Internet are pre-requisites for confidence in online interaction, they
unlock the Internet as a forum for economic and social progress, and they
are founded on basic assumptions of trust. We are deeply concerned that
these principles are being eroded and that users' legitimate expectations
of online security are being treated with contempt.****

** **

As the institutional home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), we
believe that open and transparent processes are essential for security
standardization, and result in better outcomes than any alternative
approach.  For example, protocols developed by the IETF are open for all to
see, inspect, and verify, as are the open and inclusive processes by which
they are specified.  ****

** **

IETF Chairman Jari Arkko has strongly reiterated the IETF’s commitment to
improving security in the Internet, and to seeking ways of improving
security protocols in light of these new revelations and security threats.
“The IETF has a long-standing commitment to openness and transparency in
developing security protocols for the Internet, and sees this as critical
to confidence in their use and implementation.”  To read more, visit:
http://www.ietf.org/blog/2013/09/security-and-pervasive-monitoring/.****

** **

However, the open development of robust technical specifications is just
one link in the chain. Security standards must be properly implemented and
used. This is a wake-up call for technology developers and adopters alike,
to reexamine what we can do to ensure that all links in the chain are
equally strong. This is key to helping restore public trust and confidence
in the Internet. ****

** **

The Internet has tremendous potential for economic and social good, but
unless all stakeholders trust the Internet as a safe place for business,
social interaction, academic enquiry, and self-expression, those economic
and social benefits are put at risk. To fulfill its potential, the Internet
must be underpinned by the right combination of technology, operational
processes, legislation, policy, and governance. The recent reports suggest
that U.S. Government programmes have systematically undermined some or all
of those measures, and that is why we view the revelations with such grave
concern.****

** **

With this mind, we issue these calls to action for the global community:****

** **

• To every citizen of the Internet: let your government representatives
know that, even in matters of national security, you expect privacy, rule
of law, and due process in any handling of your data. ****

** **

Security is a collective responsibility that involves multiple
stakeholders.  In this regard, we call on:****

** **

•Those involved in technology research and development: use the openness of
standards processes like the IETF to challenge assumptions about security
specifications. ****

** **

•Those who implement the technology and standards for Internet security:
uphold that responsibility in your work, and be mindful of the damage
caused by loss of trust.****

** **

•Those who develop products and services that depend on a trusted Internet:
secure your own services, and be intolerant of insecurity in the
infrastructure on which you depend.****

** **

•To every Internet user: ensure you are well informed about good practice
in online security, and act on that information. Take responsibility for
your own security.****

** **

At the Internet Society, we remain committed to advancing work in areas
such as browser security, privacy settings, and digital footprint awareness
in order to help users understand and manage their privacy and security.
The citizens of the Internet deserve a global and open platform for
communication built on solid foundations of security and privacy.****

_______________________________________________
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-- 
Barrack O. Otieno
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