Encryption for Babies

Explore the basics of encryption with this colorful, clear, and creative look into what encryption is -- and isn't.

Encryption is a promise that we all benefit from, from babies to the people who love and read to them. This simple story will help people of all ages understand what encryption is -- and what it isn't.

But what is it?

Let's talk about public key encryption:
1) Imagine you have an idea.
2) You write it down, put it in a box and put your padlock on it. Only you have the key.
3) You hand it to me, and I put my padlock on it. Only I have the key.
4) I hand it back to you and you take your padlock off.
5) You hand it back to me and I take off my padlock.
6) I can now read about your idea and no one else can until you or I choose to share it
with them.

That's the heart of encryption: privacy and choice. It really is that simple. And it is something we all need to fight for.

The beta edition of Encryption for Babies was developed for Global Encryption Day on October 21, 2023. Learn more at: globalencryption.org.

Proceeds from this book benefit the Internet Society: San Francisco Bay Area Chapter where Jessica served as Board President from 2021 - 2023.

Jessica is a technologist, policy wonk, and new Mom. She believes everyone deserves privacy and choice and that the Internet is for everyone.

Learn more at: sfbayisoc.org and internetsociety.org