Opening Pandora’s box: UK may be planning to block encryption on digital services, fear tech groups

In a rather disturbing development that would greatly compromise how internet and digital security work the world over, the UK may be planning to block encryption on digital services and devices, suggest some of the world’s largest tech groups, fighting for online privacy rights.

As per a report by the Financial Times, industry leaders from tech have called on British government officials to provide clarity regarding the scope of powers outlined in the Investigatory Powers Amendment Bill.

This proposed legislation, mentioned in the King’s Speech on Tuesday, has raised concerns within the tech sector, as it could potentially grant the UK government the authority to intervene and block the implementation of both, old and new privacy features in messaging apps. These features include end-to-end encryption among other crucial security measures.

The bill would mandate that companies notify the Home Office in advance of any security or privacy enhancements they intend to introduce, such as encryption, on their platforms. Currently, the government possesses the authority to compel telecom and messaging companies to provide data for national security reasons and to assist in criminal investigations.

The primary aim of the new legislation is to recalibrate these powers in response to perceived public safety risks posed by large multinational tech companies introducing services that hinder lawful data access.

Nonetheless, Meredith Whittaker, the president of private messaging group Signal, has expressed concerns about the potential implications of this legislation. She called the proposal “bellicose” and urged ministers to provide more clarity, fearing that the bill could empower ministers and officials to veto the introduction of new safety features.

Whittaker stressed the importance of improving privacy settings to protect core technical infrastructure from hackers and hostile actors, asserting that this perspective was not adequately understood by those advocating for the changes.

Notably, tech giants Meta and Apple, responsible for encryption on WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime, and other services, have warned that they may withdraw their services from the UK if the government compromises their encryption features.

Meta has plans to extend encryption to Facebook Messenger by year-end, with these messaging platforms boasting tens of millions of users in the UK.

These threats of service removal come in the midst of broader opposition within the tech sector against various government policies perceived as threats to privacy and product integrity. These include the recently passed online safety bill. Apple, in its response to the proposed legislation in July, cautioned that certain aspects of the investigatory powers bill could force tech companies to withdraw critical security features from the UK market, leaving UK users without essential protections. WhatsApp has also threatened to exit the UK if required by the government to compromise its encryption.

The UK’s Home Office defended the bill, asserting that it would deliver vital changes to protect the British public from evolving threats posed by criminals. They emphasized their support for strong encryption as long as public safety is maintained, but they refused to compromise public safety and entrust the security of citizens to unaccountable multinational companies.