Why are we obsessed with encryption?

10 Aug, 2025

I read an great article today by Ruben: How to encrypt existing emails with your PGP key.

It once again stimulated my own thoughts around the topic of encryption.

We've reached a stage online where most people seem obsessed with encrypting their data. I genuinely question why!

I understand there are some quite specific transactional based processes. When I am doing my online banking I want to be confident that the conversation my browser is having with the computers at the bank is secure. No one can intercept and interfere with the process. My data is not exposed on its journey bouncing around the wires on its way to the final destination.

Equally when I am buying something online, I feel confident that my card details are not being tampered with and remain a conversation between me and the payment processor.

However, do I really need my email encrypted? What about my instant messaging?

I'd love to move away from WhatsApp -- that is simple enough as it's my choice, but all my friends are on it. Going elsewhere would be painfully lonely. Also, all the decent contenders are obsessed with encryption and keys, and secrecy. This adds layers of complexity way beyond the average person. When my 80 year old mother wants to message me it needs to be simple. When I'm chatting to new friends I don't want to have to email them a secret key, or have them scan a QR code. I just want to give them my username.

I understand that encryption protects my data. I do not subscribe to the conspiracy theories that the government are tuning in to all our emails and messaging.

You know what, if someone wants to take the effort to listen in to my inane chatter they are welcome to! I do not put anything in email or instant messaging that I would not chat generally to people about. I don't send credit card details, or other sensitive data over these messaging services.

I just don't get the obsession with encryption at all cost. Fine when it's needed, but do we need to force it into everything?

What are your thoughts?

• Ruben followed up with why encrypt email regarding my reply to his blog post.
• Dávid Bárdos feels encryption has missed the mark lately

#Tech #blaugust2025