The FBI should first clearly spell out a definition for encryption. Encryption is a function[&] that maps a number on another number. ([&] technically, this is

The FBI should first clearly spell out a definition for encryption. Encryption is a function[&] that maps a number on another number. ([&] technically, this is a simplification because encryption tends to map a given number on an entire set of other numbers). What the FBI is asking for, is that some number mapping functions would be declared illegal. But where is that list of illegal number mapping functions? The problem that arises now, is that no matter how long their list of illegal number mapping functions, it will always be possible to design a number function that is not on their list but that would still be entirely valid to use for encryption. Furthermore, how can they actually enforce a law that says that particular number functions would be illegal? You see, they do not like that people use encryption functions on their numbers and they also do not like it when it rains. In both cases, however, their desires cannot overrule the laws of nature.