Zimmermann believes that encryption is important for ordinary people because it helps to keep the government from spying on citizens.
Encryption is a process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. In the context of ordinary people, encryption plays a crucial role in protecting their privacy and ensuring that their personal information remains secure. When ordinary people use encryption, it becomes more challenging for government agencies or individuals to intercept and read their private messages or access their confidential data.
By encrypting their communications and data, ordinary people can have greater control over their personal information, preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. For example, if someone were to use encrypted messaging apps, their messages would be encrypted end-to-end, meaning only the intended recipient can decrypt and read the messages. This provides a level of security and privacy that would be difficult for anyone else to breach.
In addition to protecting individual privacy, encryption also has broader implications for democracy and human rights. When ordinary people can communicate securely and freely without fear of surveillance, they are more likely to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association. Encryption empowers individuals to voice their opinions, share information, and organize without the fear of retribution or intrusion.
It's important to note that while encryption provides privacy and security for ordinary people, it can also be used by criminals to hide their activities. This presents a challenge for law enforcement agencies in balancing the need for privacy and security with the need to investigate and prevent illegal activities. However, the benefits of encryption for ordinary people in terms of privacy, security, and freedom of expression are widely recognized.
Overall, Zimmermann believes that encryption is important for ordinary people because it helps to protect their privacy, keep their personal information secure, and maintain their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and association.