If encryption was allowed, all that would happen is that people would start to use HAM bands as a cheap way to wirelessly connect to the internet or to build pr

If encryption was allowed, all that would happen is that people would start to use HAM bands as a cheap way to wirelessly connect to the internet or to build private communication links. Totally negating their purpose. If you are after this (why would otherwise the lack of encryption be a problem for you?) there are both better bands and cheap hw to serve such commercial traffic needs (and, in fact, regulations in many countries explicitly outlaw use of HAM bands for traffic that can be better carried by other services - including the FCC in the USA - so even if crypto was legal, it would still be illegal). And re amateur radio "dying" - that you don't hear anyone apart from a few old geezers chit chatting on a local repeater doesn't mean it is dying. There is a lot more to HAM radio than this - e.g. stuff like amateur radio satellites, APRS, all that SDR stuff, building digital networks, experiments with radar or even good old HF contesting. Or people simply enjoy building stuff and having the ticket lets them do it legally (some countries don't allow you to own HAM radio equipment without license). HAM radio is far from dying, just it may not be what you imagine as a HAM radio - a bearded guy in his 60s ragchewing on HF ... (I am a HAM operator myself)