Ideas worth spreading

Think your email's private? Think again

1,906,018 views |

Andy Yen |

TEDGlobal 2014

• October 2014

Sending an email message is like sending a postcard, says scientist Andy Yen in this thought-provoking talk: Anyone can read it. Yet encryption, the technology that protects the privacy of email communication, does exist. It's just that until now it has been difficult to install and a hassle to use. Showing a demo of an email program he designed with colleagues at CERN, Yen argues that encryption can be made simple to the point of becoming the default option, providing true email privacy to all.

Sending an email message is like sending a postcard, says scientist Andy Yen in this thought-provoking talk: Anyone can read it. Yet encryption, the technology that protects the privacy of email communication, does exist. It's just that until now it has been difficult to install and a hassle to use. Showing a demo of an email program he designed with colleagues at CERN, Yen argues that encryption can be made simple to the point of becoming the default option, providing true email privacy to all.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Andy Yen

Secure email developer

See speaker profile

Andy Yen is building an encrypted email program that lets everyone benefit from private communication.

Bruce Schneier | Wiley, 2013 | Book

Carry On

Schneier is a security expert of the modern age and his book is the quintessential primer into privacy and international surveillance. Carry On gives intriguing insight into the inherent security vulnerabilities that need to be addressed as society is woven into the Internet. As a collection of short essays, the book is an excellent introduction for anybody who would like to learn more about Internet privacy and surveillance on a global scale.

Terence Craig and Mary E. Ludloff | O'Reilly Media, 2011 | Book

Privacy and Big Data

Although Privacy and Big Data is a quick read, it adds perspective to the privacy discourse at hand in Europe and North America. Craig and Ludloff approach the book with an intersectional methodology, drawing on philosophy, privacy policy and international affairs to assemble a well-written overview of the situation.

Daniel J. Solove | Yale University Press, 2013 | Book

Nothing to Hide

Nothing to Hide is a must-read for those who want to explore the battle between privacy and security. Solove investigates all facets of modern surveillance efforts and disassembles the assumptions and arguments used to fuel the government surveillance apparatus. With his unique insight into the national security debate, Solove's book does a great job of explaining the threats to privacy posed by intrusive government surveillance.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.