[ad_1]
Meta’s plans to introduce end-to-end encryption to Facebook Messenger and Instagram will “massively reduce” authorities’ ability to protect children from online abuse, a boss at the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.
The firm already uses the tech on WhatsApp, meaning content cannot be seen by anyone outside the chat.
It has been one of the points of contention around the government’s Online Safety Bill, which cleared its last parliamentary hurdle after numerous delays on Tuesday.
Braverman wades into net zero row – politics latest
Under the legislation, regulator Ofcom could have the power to force platforms to scan messages for abusive or dangerous content – something the platforms argue would undermine user privacy.
WhatsApp and Signal are among the platforms that have threatened to pull out of the UK if the measure is used.
Meta is planning to bring encryption to Facebook Messenger and Instagram chats later this year, saying the “overwhelming majority” of Britons rely on the tech “to keep them safe from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals”.
Campaign group Index on Censorship also defended the plans, describing the hostility as “misguided”.
But the NCA urged Meta not to allow the rollout to impact the work of law enforcement.
James Babbage, director of general threats, said: “We’re not asking for new or additional law enforcement access.
“We simply ask Meta retains the ability to keep working with us to identify and help prevent abuse.
“This collaboration remains absolutely vital.”
Read more:
Everything you need to know about the Online Safety Bill
Why Apple is taking on Braverman’s new-look surveillance law
[ad_2]
