Easily accessible anonymous P2P networks are seen by some as a democratization of encryption technology, giving the general populace access to secure communications channels already used by governments. Supporters of this view, such as Phil Zimmermann, argue that anti-surveillance technologies help to equalize power between governments and their people,Russell D. Hoffmann (1996). Interview with author of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) . Transcript of a radio interview, retrieved 2008-01-21. which is the actual reason for banning them. John Pilger opines that monitoring of the populace helps to contain threats to the "consensual view of established authority"John Pilger (2002). Impartiality of British Journalism. ZNet article, retrieved 2008-02-11. or threats to the continuity of power structures and privilege.
