Hi ,

Imagine an Internet where government-approved software scans all your private communications. Providers that handle your messages wouldn’t be allowed to securely encrypt them, or else they would lose legal protections that allow them to operate. Right now, EFF needs your support to ensure this doesn’t become reality—will you join us?

The proposed Graham-Blumenthal EARN IT bill would force companies to follow a list of “best practices” created by a commission headed by U.S. Attorney General Barr, who has repeatedly insisted that communications platforms should undermine their own security and guarantee law enforcement access to any digital message.

What’s the cost of running afoul of those “best practices”? Companies lose protections under Section 230, the most important law protecting free speech online. The threat of crippling lawsuits would incentivize companies to censor their users AND weaken their security.

Make no mistake: if the U.S. government can have a backdoor to your private communications, so can others. Encryption preserves our ability to have private conversations in an increasingly insecure world. I’m asking for your help to shape the future of security and free expression.

EFF is fighting back by organizing allies to speak out, publishing analyses of the bill, and connecting with lawmakers to explain the challenges on a technical level. After nearly 30 years of defending encryption, EFF is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. But we can only continue with your help.

Experience teaches us that civil liberties are at their most crucial—and most vulnerable—in times of crisis. Now is no different. This is when EFF redoubles its commitment to protecting privacy, free speech, and innovation for all.

Will you join us today to protect technology users everywhere?

Yours in online rights,

Aaron Jue
EFF Director of Member Engagement

P.S. Internet freedom is evergreen! For a short time only, EFF’s classic Black Metallic Defend Encryption member t-shirts are back.

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