Digital Rights Groups Call for DOJ IG Probe Over Encryption Claims

DOJ’s inspector general should open a new investigation into allegedly false claims the FBI made to Congress on encryption policy (see 1804130035), said New America Open Technology Institute Director Kevin Bankston Tuesday. Citing a Washington Post report, the organization said the FBI “consistently claimed” in 2017 it couldn't unlock 7,775 devices, but it recently admitted the number is closer to 1,200. Bankston asked that the FBI “finally drop its misguided crusade to undermine encryption.” Center for Democracy & Technology Director-Freedom, Security and Technology Project Greg Nojeim called for an IG investigation into the “dangerously exaggerated claim.” BSA|The Software Alliance Senior Director-Policy Tommy Ross said government and tech providers should collaborate to improve “law enforcement’s technical capabilities to access the mountains of digital evidence available to them,” instead of narrowly focusing on encryption. DOJ didn't comment.