&gt; Are they also aware that the exact same technology is used to protect their online banking? To protect against attacks like the Sony hack? Do they know that there is a huge segment of the economy that relies on strong encryption to do business?<p>I&#x27;m sure they are.<p>The problem is, I suspect, more the delusion that if there are backdoors, only MURICA will be able to exploit them because GODDAMN GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!  They would find the idea that there are talented individuals and groups, outside the US, who are capable of exploiting these facilities, absolutely incomprehensible.<p>Moreover, the civil servants who they should be able to rely on to provide accurate information about why it doesn&#x27;t work that way (e.g. the NSA) will be actively encouraging that ignorance for their own benefits.