Erosion of free speech?…. as part of his plans for new surveillance powers announced in the wake of Paris attacks, David Cameron may block encrypted messaging platforms WhatsApp and Snapchat if he wins the next election,.
RT reports: 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.
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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.
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.
