WhatsApp is in danger of being banned in the UK, one of Europe’s largest countries, because of its most boasted cybersecurity solution, end-to-end encryption. Moreover, the reason for this ‘ban’ is that the company offers as tight security as it claims and the messages cannot be ‘tracked’ by the states. But why should WhatsApp be banned because it protects user privacy?
The UK parliament has been debating the “Online Security Act” for a while. This law, in particular, aims to ensure the prevention of child abuse. However, it is still not clear what obligations the law, which is in the final stage, will impose on software companies. However, it is stated that the “end-to-end encryption” feature of WhatsApp may be disrupted due to this law. Because, according to the law, content such as messages must be followed in some way and crimes related to child abuse must be monitored digitally. This is where the conflict between WhatsApp and the UK erupts. Moreover, the decision in the United Kingdom is thought to be a reference to other countries.
WhatsApp doesn’t want to give up end-to-end encryption just because the UK wants it
WhatsApp’s CEO, Will Cathcart, made a statement on the subject in the middle of last year and said that he would not act with the government of any country. According to Cathcart, the UK government could decide to block WhatsApp across the country if it wanted to access user messages. “Our users around the world want security. 98% of our users are outside the UK and don’t want us to lower their app security.” WhatsApp boss said, “We have recently been blocked in Iran. We have never seen a liberal democracy do that.”
WhatsApp and its popular rival, Signal, are walking the same line against the law
Signal, which is one of the popular instant messaging applications recently, also made a statement on the subject. Signal boss Meredith Whittake told the BBC they would rather withdraw from the UK than bend the secrecy of the system. Responding to a post on the subject on Twitter, Whittake tagged WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart, “I look forward to working with WhatsApp and others.” she said. Will Cathcart replied: “We are at the same point. Working together and honoring it is very important to take a step back.”
The Online Security Act does not mean that end-to-end encryption will be banned, according to the government
Government officials, on the other hand, make a statement against the claims of instant messaging applications. Because, according to the authorities, the law, which is expected to be approved, does not mean the removal of end-to-end encryption. A spokesperson said: “This is not a choice between privacy or child safety. We can and should have both.” he said.
What cannot be understood here is how to detect child abuse online.
According to cybersecurity experts and critics, the only way to access child abuse material on a phone is to somehow scan the phone. Moreover, this includes not only images, but also messages. This is exactly what brings the parties together. According to experts, somehow scanning the device violates user privacy. However, the government wing argues that methods can be created to prevent abuse.
When we look at the statements of the parties, we see that both sides have their share of truth. After all, child abuse is not acceptable anywhere in the world. However, in order to prevent this, it is not a reasonable solution to remove or stretch the end-to-end encryption feature of an application such as WhatsApp, which has users all over the world. We will see together what will happen.
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