A coalition of messaging services including WhatsApp has come together to oppose the UK government’s proposed internet safety legislation which seeks to compel tech companies to break end-to-end encryption in private messages.
Seven apps, including WhatsApp and Signal, which are owned by Meta, have signed an open letter opposing the UK’s proposed internet safety legislation, stating that the law could provide “an unelected official with the power to compromise the privacy of billions of people worldwide”. The initial aim of the Online Safety Bill in Britain was to establish one of the most stringent systems for overseeing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In November, the proposals for Britain’s Online Safety Bill were modified, removing the requirement to stop “legal but harmful content” in order to safeguard free speech. The focus was then shifted towards illegal content, particularly related to child safety. The British government clarified that the bill did not intend to impose a ban on end-to-end encryption or require services to weaken encryption.
The letter’s signatories pointed out that this proposal is not compatible with end-to-end encryption, which allows messages to be read only by the sender and recipient. The UK government wants regulator Ofcom to have the authority to make platforms utilize accredited technology, or to develop new technology, to identify content related to child sexual abuse.
“The proposed bill does not offer any clear safeguard for encryption, and if implemented without amendments, could authorize Ofcom to mandate the screening of private messages on end-to-end encrypted communication services, thereby rendering end-to-end encryption ineffective and putting the privacy of all users at risk,” the signatories stated.
According to the open letter signed by WhatsApp, Signal, and five other apps, the proposed bill poses an unparalleled danger to the privacy, safety, and security of all UK residents, as well as those with whom they communicate globally. Additionally, it could potentially give a green light to hostile governments to follow suit and draft similar laws.
While the British government supports strong encryption, it asserts that this should not be done at the expense of public safety. The government believes that tech companies have a moral obligation to make sure they are not overlooking the significant levels of child sexual abuse happening on their platforms, which could blind law enforcement.