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PM
David Cameron may block encrypted messaging platforms Snapchat and WhatsApp if
the Conservatives win May’s general election, as part of the party’s agenda to
bolster surveillance powers following last week’s terror attacks in Paris.
RT.com
reports that during a meeting with Britain’s security chiefs, the Prime
Minister pledged to halt the use of communications platforms that can withstand
snooping from security services who are in possession of a warrant.
Such
software applications focus on popular messaging and social networking apps
that deploy encryption techniques to protect users’ data.
WhatsApp,
Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime, which encrypt information in this manner, could
all be targeted by the Conservatives’ proposed policy.
Cameron
also pledged to revive the Tories’ much-criticized “snoopers charter” to aid security officials in
monitoring online activity.
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In
April 2014, the European Court of Justice ruled against the introduction of the
Snooper’s Charter, warning it would culminate in privacy rights violations. The
Court outlined a more moderate data retention program that would aid criminal
investigations.
But
in early July it emerged the government was seeking to push through emergency
legislation, which would flout the Court’s judgment and re-legislate for the
blanket retention of data.
The
snooper’s charter subsequently caused a rift in government, however, after it
was blocked by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on the grounds it posed a risk
to civil liberties.
Home
Secretary Theresa May accused the Liberal Democrats of “outrageous irresponsibility”
for blocking the legislation at the time.
Speaking
on Monday, Cameron asked whether a platform of communication that is
inaccessible by state authorities is wise.
But
in a climate of heightened mass surveillance, firms such as WhatsApp have
remained determined to continue offering encrypted services.
Public
awareness about the importance of encryption mushroomed in the aftermath of
former NSA computer analyst and whistleblower Edward Snowden's disclosures on
NSA and GCHQ mass snooping.
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Civil
liberties groups warn attempts to limit the use of privacy tools under the
auspices of protecting national security are a violation of citizens’ privacy
rights. Privacy rights advocates say encrypted platforms are important tools for
campaigners and activists.
In
October 2014, Parker Higgern, an activist at the Electronic Frontier
Foundation, emphasized the importance of maintaining such privacy tools in an
era of mass surveillance.
“It's
essential that the use of encryption, anonymization techniques, and other
privacy practices is not deemed a suspicious activity,”
he said.
“Rather,
it must be recognized as an essential element for practicing freedom of speech
in a digital environment.”
Campaigners say encryption
can also help victims of criminal activity and those in oppressive regimes to
remain safe and secure.
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