Cryptography for societal benefit

Abstract

The deployment of cryptography in society has a range of effects that are not always evident when studying cryptography as a technological construct in isolation. This observation suggests a number of natural research directions that examine cryptography as an instrument of societal influence; that is, as a technological construct in conjunction with its societal effects. This thesis presents the results of six papers spanning the three broad contexts listed next. - Institutional accountability Cryptography can enhance transparency and accountability of institutions seeking public trust, such as governmental agencies, judicial systems, and election infrastructure. - Individual empowerment in oppressive environments Cryptography can empower individuals to communicate securely and undetectably and to preserve their anonymity, even in hostile environments. - Incentivizing collaboration Cryptography can facilitate collaboration between rational -- possibly selfish and/or competing -- parties in a way that is beneficial to all participants, by providing credible guarantees of secrecy and correct protocol execution to mutually distrustful parties.