ENCRYPT Act of 2016
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (29 Feb 2016): Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
What this bill does
The ENCRYPT Act of 2016 would prevent state and local governments from forcing companies to weaken the security features of their technology products or services. Specifically, states could not require manufacturers, developers, or providers to alter security functions to allow government surveillance or physical searches of devices. They also could not compel companies to decrypt encrypted information.
Furthermore, the bill would prohibit states from banning the sale or provision of technology products or services simply because they use encryption or similar security measures. This applies to publicly available commercial computer products, electronic devices, and online services that affect interstate commerce.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 by Representative Ted Lieu and others. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by either chamber of Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Ensuring National Constitutional Rights for Your Private Telecommunications Act of 2016 or the ENCRYPT Act of 2016
This bill prohibits a state from requiring a manufacturer, developer, seller, or provider of a technology product or service to: (1) alter the security functions of its product or service to allow a government agency to conduct a physical search or user surveillance, or (2) use its product or service to decrypt encrypted information.
A technology product or service includes a commercial computer product, electronic device, or online service that is publicly available.
Additionally, it bars a state from prohibiting the manufacture, sale or lease, or provision of a technology product or service because it uses encryption or similar security functions.
Timeline
29 Feb 2016
Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4528 do?
- The ENCRYPT Act of 2016 would prevent state and local governments from forcing companies to weaken the security features of their technology products or services. Specifically, states could not require manufacturers, developers, or providers to alter security functions to allow government surveillance or physical searches of devices. They also could not compel companies to decrypt encrypted information. Furthermore, the bill would prohibit states from banning the sale or provision of technology products or services simply because they use encryption or similar security measures. This applies to publicly available commercial computer products, electronic devices, and online services that affect interstate commerce. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in February 2016 by Representative Ted Lieu and others. It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by either chamber of Congress.
- Has H.R. 4528 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4528. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4528?
- H.R. 4528 was sponsored by Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33] (D-CA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4528?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. (29 Feb 2016).
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