Privacy is more than a convenience—it’s a right. We recognize this in the physical world, where we expect the freedom to have personal conversations, seek support, and express ourselves without intrusion. But as more of our lives move online, our digital spaces must be just as private and protected.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is what makes that possible. It ensures that messages, calls, and sensitive data can only be accessed by the intended recipient—not corporations, governments, or bad actors. Every time you send a message to a loved one, encryption guarantees that only they can read it.
Despite its importance, encryption is currently under threat, challenged in part by governments across the globe. In February, the United Kingdom Home Office invoked the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) to order Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted cloud services, one that would have granted government access to user data that even Apple itself could not access. Under escalating pressure, Apple pulled an encryption tool called Advanced Data Protection (ADP) from users in UK markets. This series of events significantly weakened privacy protections for millions, leaving UK Apple users without the same encryption safeguards available elsewhere.
For the LGBTQ+ community, digital spaces have always been lifelines–especially in places where being openly LGBTQ+ can lead to discrimination, violence, or legal consequences. Many depend on privacy and rely on encryption to safely explore their identities, seek support, and communicate without fear of exposure. In an Open Rights Group article titled The Case For Encryption, Shae Gardner, Director of Policy and Research at LGBT Tech, expands on the value of encryption to the LGBTQ+ community. “For the millions and millions of LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, digital spaces serve as lifelines to resources, support and community that many are not able to seek in the physical world. Encryption makes those lifelines possible.”
This is why, on February 13, LGBT Tech joined 108 other organizations, companies, and experts in publishing a joint letter with the Global Encryption Coalition, calling on the UK Home Office “to rescind its demand that Apple create a backdoor into its end-to-end encrypted services.” The letter specifically examines the relationship between encryption and marginalized communities, warning that “undermining the confidentiality of cloud services would have the most harmful impact on those already at greatest risk: families, domestic violence survivors, LGBTQ+ individuals, and many more who rely on the safety and privacy provided by end-to-end encrypted services.”
Weakening, threatening, or restricting end-to-end encryption doesn’t just impact one person or one group; it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens global digital freedom everywhere. LGBT Tech believes that end-to-end encryption is vital for everyone in guaranteeing the fundamental right to privacy, but especially for those at greatest risk, including LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide who depend on secure communications.
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For more information, see LGBT Tech and the Internet Society’s one-sheet on encryption and the LGBTQ+ community.
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