Barr’s call for law enforcement access to commercial encryption

Then-attorney general nominee William P. Barr testifies during his confirmation hearing in January 2019. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Then-attorney general nominee William P. Barr testifies during his confirmation hearing in January 2019. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Posted January 31, 2020 at 1:41pm

Attorney General William Barr cited widespread access to “military grade encryption” as a key challenge in fighting human trafficking. “We have to do something about this” he said Friday morning.

The cabinet official told attendees at the White House human trafficking summit that he recently met with his counterparts in the “Five Eyes” — a group of five countries the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, that share intelligence.

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Barr said the Justice Department is working together with their international partners, victims groups and businesses, to find a solution to the issue.