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Key Escrow Problem

Definition

The key escrow problem refers to the challenge of securely storing cryptographic keys with a third party, allowing access under specific conditions, such as law enforcement requests or key recovery. While intended to provide access for legal or recovery purposes, it raises significant concerns about privacy, security vulnerabilities, and potential misuse of centralized key access. This dilemma highlights the tension between data access and individual cryptographic control. It presents a complex policy and technical challenge.