Encryption, Privacy, & Security
Our Policy Positions
Secure encryption, privacy protections, and strong digital security measures are essential for LGBTQ+ individuals, who rely on these tools to safeguard their identities and navigate an often-hostile world. The risks of data breaches or compromised communications include involuntary outing, discrimination, and physical harm, especially for those in unaccepting environments or those who must maintain discretion. Privacy is not just a technical issue but a fundamental human right, central to autonomy, safety, and freedom for LGBTQ+ communities. As legislative and technological changes impact encryption and security standards, it is crucial to ensure that these protections remain robust.
LGBT Tech advocates for policies that protect strong encryption domestically and internationally and strengthen digital security to safeguard LGBTQ+ privacy. We oppose regulatory and legislative efforts that weaken encryption and support initiatives that ensure LGBTQ+ individuals can communicate and share sensitive data securely and without fear of exposure or harm.
Encryption Standards
For LGBTQ+ individuals, strong encryption standards are critical in protecting sensitive communications and maintaining their safety. End-to-end encryption ensures that private messages, personal data, and digital interactions are accessible only to intended recipients, shielding users even from service providers. This is particularly vital for LGBTQ+ youth and others navigating unsupportive environments, who often use online resources and communication platforms as lifelines. Legislative efforts to weaken encryption standards pose signicant risks by potentially exposing users to unauthorized access or surveillance. The integrity of encryption is fundamental to preserving the privacy and autonomy of LGBTQ+ individuals in an increasingly connected world.
LGBT Tech supports strong encryption standards and opposes legislative and regulatory attempts to weaken these protections. We advocate for maintaining and expanding secure communication tools that protect LGBTQ+ users’ privacy, enabling safe access to resources, advocacy, and community networks without fear of surveillance or exposure.
LGBTQ+ Data Protections
LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately vulnerable to privacy violations, making robust data protections essential. Historically, practices such as the Lavender Scare and mandatory HIV disclosures have caused significant harm, and today’s commercial and governmental data collection practices continue to pose risks. Sensitive information, such as sexual orientation or gender identity, is particularly vulnerable to misuse, including involuntary outing or discriminatory practices. Policies focused on data minimization, transparent retention policies, and explicit user consent can mitigate these harms. Comprehensive privacy regulation can simultaneously provide a roadmap for safeguarding LGBTQ+ individuals from exploitation and bias in data processing.
LGBT Tech supports comprehensive data privacy regulations at the state and federal levels emphasizing sensitive data minimization, user consent, and retention limits. We advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that enhance privacy protections and user control and protect LGBTQ+ individuals from the risks of discrimination or harm due to mishandled data, ensuring trust and safety in the digital world.
Non-Consensual Content
Non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) poses signicant risks for LGBTQ+ individuals, including involuntary outing, extortion, and safety threats. In less accepting communities or countries where LGBTQ+ identities are criminalized, NCII can lead to ostracization, job loss, or physical harm. Additionally, invasive reporting practices on some platforms require extensive personal information for verication, discouraging victims - particularly those not publicly out - from coming forward. LGBTQ+ individuals also face systemic barriers in accessing resources or reporting incidents, with fears of discrimination often deterring them from seeking help. Automated systems used to detect NCII often exacerbate these issues by unfairly agging LGBTQ+ content due to algorithmic bias, further marginalizing the community.
LGBT Tech advocates for NCII policies that address the specific harms to our community and prioritize robust protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring equitable enforcement and the inclusion of diverse identities, relationship dynamics, and expressions within app store and platform guidelines and legal frameworks.
Tools For LGBTQ+ Users
LGBTQ+ individuals often rely on digital tools to access resources, connect with supportive communities, and safeguard their identities. However, navigating online spaces can expose users to privacy breaches, harassment, and involuntary outing. Tools that emphasize privacy and security - such as encrypted messaging platforms, VPNs, and secure browsing modes - are critical for protecting sensitive information. Additionally, resources that promote digital literacy empower LGBTQ+ individuals to confidently engage with technology while mitigating risks. Ensuring access to these tools and knowledge is essential for creating a safer digital environment.
LGBT Tech advocates for policies that promote the development and accessibility of secure digital tools while advancing digital literacy education. Through efforts like the Digital Navigator Program, we complement our policy work by providing LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations with resources and training to stay safe online and navigate digital spaces effectively
Advocating For A Federal Privacy Framework
A comprehensive federal privacy framework is critical to safeguarding the data and privacy of all users online, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Uniform rules governing the collection, use, and protection of personal data would provide consistent protections across states, ensuring that no one faces unequal privacy risks based on their location. Such a framework would also prevent online platforms from navigating a patchwork of state laws, instead holding them accountable to robust, standardized privacy regulations. For LGBTQ+ users, federal protections would mitigate the risks of involuntary outing, discrimination, and exploitation by enhancing data security and privacy rights across the board.
LGBT Tech advocates for a national privacy framework that emphasizes strong privacy protections and user controls and prioritizes comprehensive, uniform protections and strong enforcement mechanisms. We emphasize the need for legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals by addressing data security, transparency, user controls, and consent. Through our policy work, we support a digital environment where privacy is a right for all.