Encryption Helps Ukrainians Resist Russia’s Invasion, but a European Plan Threatens the Underlying Trust Any Tech User Needs

Western military assistance to Ukraine has clearly been an essential part of its ability to defend itself against Russian attacks. Another critical factor, highlighted during a series of recent transatlantic dialogues organized by the Munich Security Conference, has been the capability of widely available technology that has empowered everyday Ukrainians to participate in a truly whole-of-nation effort to repel the Russian invaders. After Russia began its full-scale assault in February, downloads of encrypted messaging apps such as Signal surged, as users looked for safe channels to communicate. Major technology companies responded by further expanding their use of encrypted technologies.