Encrypted messaging is great if you value your privacy and don’t want hackers or the government snooping on you. However it also means that the bad guys can use the same service and feature to plot and coordinate their crimes without the authorities picking up on it, at least as far as messages are concerned.This is why British Prime Minister David Cameron has recently spoken out in support of banning encrypted messaging apps. Cameron was discussing security measures in the wake of the recent Paris shootings where he was quoted as saying, “Are we going to allow a means of communications which it simply isn’t possible to read? My answer to that question is: ‘No, we must not.'”
While Cameron did not make any specific references to apps, chances are he could be talking about apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, and other messaging apps who have recently introduced encrypted messaging features. Of course it remains to be seen if Cameron will actually follow through with his threats on potentially banning such apps, or at least placing a restriction, but without doubt it would have a huge impact on these services if it were to go through.
This isn’t the first time the government and law enforcement agencies have expressed their frustration with such encryption. It wasn’t too long ago that the FBI voiced their displeasure over Apple and Google’s encryption practices which basically puts the key in the hands of the user, meaning that it would be impossible for Apple or Google to unlock their devices even if they wanted to.