Arab Press

بالشعب و للشعب
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024

WhatsApp, Signal and encrypted messaging apps unite against Online Safety Bill

WhatsApp, Signal and encrypted messaging apps unite against Online Safety Bill

Signal and Meta-owned WhatsApp have previously warned they would sooner see British users stopped from using their services than risk compromising their privacy. But child safety campaigners and charities have claimed that private messaging is the "frontline of online child sexual abuse".
WhatsApp, Signal, and a number of other encrypted messaging services have signed an open letter opposing the Online Safety Bill.

The platforms say the government's flagship internet safety legislation could undermine end-to-end encryption, which ensures nobody other than the sender and intended recipient of a message can read it.

Signal and WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, have previously warned they would sooner see British users stopped from using their services than risk compromising their privacy.

The government has insisted it would not outlaw end-to-end encryption, insisting it will retain privacy while protecting children's safety online, and charities including the NSPCC support it.

But UK-based messaging platform Element, used by the likes of the Ministry of Defence, US Marine Corps, and Ukraine's armed forces, claimed the bill was "outright dangerous" and would weaken national security.

Element's chief executive Matthew Hodgson said: "The UK wants its own special access into end-to-end encrypted systems.

"Bad actors don't play by the rules. Rogue nation states, terrorists, and criminals will target that access with every resource they have."

Mr Hodgson added: "It's a shock to see the UK, a country that symbolises democracy and freedom, introducing routine mass surveillance and fundamentally undermining encryption.

"Bad actors will simply continue to use existing unregulated apps - and good actors using compliant apps will have their privacy undermined."

Who backs the Online Safety Bill?

Despite privacy concerns, the long-delayed bill is backed by child safety campaigners, with the NSPCC describing private messaging as the "frontline of online child sexual abuse".

Surveys suggest it also has the support of large numbers of British adults.

The wide-ranging legislation aims to regulate internet content to keep people safe, and would give media regulator Ofcom the power to demand that platforms identify and remove child abuse content.

Refusing to comply could see companies face huge fines.

What happens next?

The letter from messaging platforms comes ahead of the bill's final reading in the House of Lords on Wednesday.

It's almost two years since it was first published in draft form, when it began its long journey through parliament.

After several delays due to the concerns of tech companies, which fear the bill is too far-reaching and unclear about what they will be required to censor, it made its return to parliament late last year and has cross-party support.

Some MPs, though, have said it could impact freedom of expression.

Tory backbencher David Davis has proposed an amendment to the bill to remove powers to monitor people's private encrypted messages.
Comments

Brad 2 year ago
Stupid People believe this propaganda from government. If the Government's lips are moving they are "LYING"

2021WhatsApp IS OWNED BY Facebook can access some data WhatsApp collects on you for specified purposes, which may be bad for your privacy
Brad 2 year ago
2021WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world with around 2 billion (yes, billion) users worldwide. The app is encrypted by default with end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls, which is good for your privacy. It's also owned by Facebook which means Facebook can access some data WhatsApp collects on you for specified purposes, which may be bad for your privacy
Brad 2 year ago
What's APP and Signal are not private from government spying. This is more propaganda.
Bitcoin is not private or anonymous from government either. This too is more government propaganda.

Bitcoin and What's App & Signal are private from the general public just like your lawyer.
Your lawyers and Bitcoin and WhatsApp and Signal all share information with the government.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Arab Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Israeli Strike Severely Disrupts Iran's Missile Production, Reports Saudi News
Blinken Sees Opportunity in Hamas Leader's Death
Israel Eliminates Successor of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah
Global Unrest: Kenyan Political Tensions, India's Air Quality Crisis, Uganda's Opposition Trials, and Gaza's Humanitarian Plea Amid Israeli Offensive
Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah's Financial Resources
Global Tensions and Cultural Engagement: North Korea's Alleged Troop Support for Russia, King Charles' Visit to Australia, and More
Iran Warns Biden on Israel Support Amid Rising Regional Tensions as Arab American Voters Poised to Sway 2024 Election
Regional Turmoil: Railway Safety Protests in Egypt, Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, and Rising Tensions with Hezbollah and Iran
Global Tensions and Humanitarian Missions: WHO's Evacuation Efforts in Gaza Amid Rising Conflict Concerns
Global Tensions and Challenges: US Defense Moves, Rising Polio Cases, and Calls for Climate Leadership
UN Experts Warn of Complicity in War Crimes Supporting Israeli Occupation; Global Leaders Grapple with Geopolitical Crises
Global Crisis Update: Belgian War Crimes Investigation, Singapore Terror Plot Foiled, and Rising Middle East Tensions
Geopolitical Tensions Escalate: Lebanon-Iran Dispute, Macron's UN Defense, and North Korea’s Role in Ukraine
Biden Reinforces Transatlantic Ties in Germany as Middle East Tensions Escalate with Key Hamas Leader's Death and UN Peacekeepers Under Threat
Global Shifts: Fuel Crisis Drives Change in Nigeria, Diplomatic Overtures in South Asia, and Rising Tensions in Korea
Global Tensions Surge: German Warship Intercepts Drone, Jakarta Braces for Prabowo's Inauguration, and Israel Eliminates Hamas Leader
Xi Jinping Urges Troops to Prepare for Conflict Amid Taiwan Drills
Netanyahu Condemns Alleged Hezbollah Assassination Attempt
Israeli Leaflet Campaign in Gaza: A Critical Update
Espionage Tensions, Global Crises, and Calls for Humanitarian Action Define Geopolitical Landscape
Global Tensions Rise: New Sanctions on North Korea, Sudanese Refugee Crisis, and Shifts in U.S. and European Policies
Global Tensions and Political Shifts: Key Developments in Indonesia, U.S., Malaysia, China, Turkiye, and the Middle East
Southern Africa's Historical Drought Crisis Amid Global Tensions and Strategic Alliances
Biden Praises Israel's Military Action Against Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar
Yahya Sinwar’s Death Marks Pivotal Moment in Gaza War
Global Conflicts Escalate: World Bank Warns of $20 Billion Damages in Gaza, U.S. and International Tensions Rise
Hezbollah Deputy Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amidst Escalating Conflict with Israel
US Warns Israel of Potential Aid Cuts Over Gaza Assistance Delays
Meta Faces Legal Battle Over Teen Social Media Addiction
U.S. Criticizes Israel's Tactics in Beirut Amidst Humanitarian Concerns; Italy Opens Controversial Migrant Hub
Amid Israel-Hezbollah Tensions, France Evacuates Citizens; Global Leaders Urge De-escalation and Aid Efforts
Macron Urges Netanyahu to Honor UN Resolutions Amid Rising Tensions; Global Protests and Diplomatic Summits Highlight Complex Geopolitical Climate
Escalating Tensions: Israel's Planned Retaliation Against Iran Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts
Rising Tensions in Lebanon and Israel: Sectarian Strains and Military Moves Amid Humanitarian Efforts
Global Tensions and Political Shifts: UN Concerns in Tunisia, Italian Troop Security, Afghan Resettlement, and Strategic Alliances Forming
President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro: "Long live Venezuela, long live Palestine, long live Lebanon. May their fights for freedom and dignity live on!
Regional Tensions Escalate: Iran and Israel Clash, U.S.-Philippines Drills Stir Southeast Asia, and Singapore Faces Legacy Dispute
Russia's Call for a BRICS Financial System Alternative
Israel Vows to Limit Retaliatory Strike on Iran to Military Facilities
Rising Geopolitical Tensions: UN Highlights Lebanese Child Displacement as U.S. Faces Shifts in Middle Eastern Alliances
Hezbollah's Drone Strikes Intensify Israeli-Lebanon Tensions, Prompting Global Security Concerns
International Tensions Escalate: Sweden's Qur'an Burning Trial, China's Diplomatic Moves in the Middle East, and Global Protests
Middle East Tensions, Nile River Pact Disputes, and Global Health Initiatives Highlight Complex International Challenges
Tensions Soar Globally: London Murder Trial, Middle East Conflicts, and UK's Landmark Anti-Zionism Ruling
Netanyahu Urges UN to Relocate Lebanon Peacekeepers Amid Escalating Tensions
EU Sanctions Iran for Arming Russia Amid Ukraine War; Global Tensions Escalate
Ukraine Strikes Deep in Russia; EU Denounces Israeli Attacks on UN Peacekeepers; Archaeologists Uncover Secrets of Petra's Hidden Tomb
Escalating Middle East Tensions and Global Shifts: Key Developments from Gaza to Southeast Asia and Europe
Global Tensions Surge: Iran's Missile Strikes, U.S. Security Concerns, and Regional Conflicts Intensify
Global Tensions Rise: Calls for Justice in Lebanese Journalism, Palestinian Prisoner Deaths, and International Diplomatic Strains
×