The Encryption Tool Treated Like Weapons

When Phil Zimmermann released PGP in 1991, the US government classified his encryption software as a dangerous munition. Officials feared the program was so secure it threatened national security interests.

Because the software used powerful cryptography, the government compared it to a tank or a missile launcher. Zimmermann was even investigated for violating arms export controls. Eventually, the charges were dropped, helping to usher in the modern era of private digital communication. Today, this technology remains a foundation for how we keep our personal emails and files secret from prying eyes.