You need both.<p>Technology alone cannot solve political problems. The technology can be banned.<p>Technology can, however, raise the difficulty for sub-components of a government that are wanting to push the limits and do things outside the boundaries of the politically agreed upon systems. Encryption can&#x27;t <i>stop</i> the NSA if it has widespread political support because the encryption can be banned. But right now intelligence agencies are absolutely hurting, because what they&#x27;re doing is highly controversial and blocking them with encryption is not at illegal. If the political debate is won, even if it&#x27;s just a partial win, then they&#x27;re forced back inside their box for a long time to come.