The Obama administration is reaching out to the Silicon Valley in search of a system with stronger encryption.
A White House official announced on Tuesday that they were calling on Silicon Valley technologists to help find a system that could be accessed legally by one party without opening the door to others, according to USA Today.
Cybersecurity has been a tense issue recently with technology companies and cyber experts. Michael Daniel, the White House cybersecurity policy coordinator, said he is trying to set principles for a large spectrum public discussion on the issue.
Daniel has been asked if he can confirm a name of a respected technology figure that he believes has strong encryption and could be circumvented by just one party’s legal authority.
“I don’t have any off the top my head,” Daniel said, but added that if any place could come up with an answer, it would be the “enormously creative” Silicon Valley.
Daniel said he wants to engage with technology companies and heavy encryption users in the financial sector, but is not confident that there is an end-solution.
“It is one of the most challenging issues I have in my portfolio,” Daniel said. “Every aspect of it is challenging.”
Daniel, along with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, are hoping that Silicon Valley can be that key to managing security and privacy needs. According to Johnson, the Department of Homeland Security is planning to open a satellite office there.
Previously, Silicon Valley was extremely angered by the extent of government digital surveillance that was revealed by former National Security Agency contractor, Edward Snowden. But they are welcoming this new approach from Homeland Security.
The office in Silicon Valley will draw top Valley tech talents to work in the new United States Digital Service.
“I hope some of you listening will consider a tour of service for your country,” Johnson said.
He added, “The current course we are on, toward deeper and deeper encryption in response to the demands of the marketplace, is one that presents real challenges for those in law enforcement and national security,” he said.
Johnson said that encryption makes it hard to fight criminals and terrorist activity. He has asked that the people join him in finding a solution that recognizes both privacy expectations of the American public as well as the security needs of law enforcement.
“We need your help,” he said.
