2023-05-10 04:47:14
WhatsApp could be about to disappear from uk. London is finalizing a security law that would require all applications of its type, with end-to-end encryption, offer access to messages to audit possible security risks such as terrorism or pedophilia.
With eight secretaries of state and five prime ministers involved in drafting it, the bill gives Ofcom the power to impose the requirements that it deems so that the social networks themselves combat these risks, with fines of up to 10% of global billing for those who do not comply. Something that major messaging apps consider “impossible” without fundamentally breaking their promises to users.
Private messages are private. We oppose proposals to scan people’s private messages, and we’re proud to stand with other apps to defend encryption and your right to privacy. https://t.co/IHROR5pS6U
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) April 18, 2023
In addition, the vendor coalition believes the bill does not provide any explicit protection for encryption, and if implemented as written, they explain, could empower Ofcom to proactive scanning of private messages, nullifying as a result the fundamentals of this type of company and compromising the privacy of all users.
Leave, the solution
In an open letter last month, these companies – among which, in addition to WhatsApp, Signal – expressed that when the time came they would choose to protect the security of their users outside the Kingdom. This is due, as explained by the CEO of the company owned by Meta, Will Cathcartbecause the British market contributes only 2% of WhatsApp users, and they would not reduce the security of their product because of them.
In defense of the end-to-end encryption of these companies, the UK ministers involved in the drafting of the Bill, revealed in the House of Lords the possibility that WhatsApp (among others) give up completely the United Kingdom. “We support strong encryption, but this cannot be at the cost of public safety,” they stressed.
#ministers #rule #disappears