We propose a new optical encryption technique using the fractional Fourier transform. In this method, the data are encrypted to a stationary white noise by two statistically independent random phase masks in fractional Fourier domains. To decrypt the data correctly, one needs to specify the fractional domains in which the input plane, encryp- tion plane, and output planes exist, in addition to the key used for en- cryption. The use of an anamorphic fractional Fourier transform for the encryption of two-dimensional data is also discussed. We suggest an optical implementation of the proposed idea. Results of a numerical simulation to analyze the performance of the proposed method are pre- sented. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)01811-0)