A new report from the United Nations (UN) states that encrypted communications are needed to protect freedom of opinion and expression and that encryption is a human right, The Intercept reports. UN Special Rapporteur David Kaye said encryption creates a “zone of privacy to protect opinion and belief.” He added, “The ability to search the web, develop ideas and communicate securely may be the only way in which many can explore basic aspects of identity, such as one’s gender, religion, ethnicity, national origin or sexuality.” Meanwhile, Microsoft is looking for ways to balance user privacy with a potential UK law on encryption. “It’s a big market, and it’s a country we believe has a fundamental rule of law in place,” said Microsoft’s Brad Smith.
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