Ban Client-Side Scanning in the U.S.

I urge you to support legislation that bans client-side scanning (CSS) in the United States. Client-side scanning requires software on personal devices to scan private data before it is encrypted, fundamentally altering the model of secure end-to-end communication. Embedding surveillance mechanisms into consumers’ phones, laptops, and apps creates systemic risks: it expands the attack surface for hackers, increases the likelihood of wrongful or discriminatory flagging, and normalizes widespread surveillance that can be repurposed beyond its original intent. Technical safeguards and lawful access mechanisms already exist that preserve both safety and privacy—targeted warrants, metadata analysis, and cooperation with service providers can address crime without undermining cryptographic security. By contrast, CSS centralizes trust in vendors and governments, weakens cryptography, and chills free expression and dissent, harms marginalized communities, and threatens journalism and activism. A ban on CSS would: - Protect the integrity of end-to-end encryption and users’ digital security. - Prevent mission creep where surveillance tools are expanded to new targets and uses. - Reduce the risk of disproportionate harm to vulnerable and marginalized groups. - Preserve the ability of journalists, lawyers, and citizens to communicate securely. Please oppose any policy or mandate that requires companies to build surveillance capabilities into consumer devices or apps. Support clear statutory prohibitions on client-side scanning, ensure robust civil liberties safeguards, and invest in law-enforcement tools that respect constitutional protections. Thank you for defending strong digital security and civil liberties. I appreciate your attention to this urgent issue and respectfully request your support for legislation that bans client-side scanning.