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In March, a terrorist attack took place in central London, with a 52-year-old Muslim convert communicating with other allies via chatapplication WhatsAppIf British police had had access to these encrypted messages, the attack might not have happened. For this reason, Brussels wants to introduce rules that would allow police to view encrypted conversations.

“At the moment, prosecutors, courts and even the police are completely dependent on ISPs to give them access and evidence. This is not the way we can ensure the safety of Europeans. We cannot depend on some voluntary decision,” said Czech euroCommissioner Věra Jourová, according to whom the new legislation should be on the table in mid-June.

Brussels has already started negotiations with large internet companies, including Facebook. He runs chatapplication WhatsApp, which since last year encrypts all sent messages.

The Brussels proposal was also supported by Germany miniInterior Minister Thomas de Maizière says police in European countries should have the right to look into encrypted internet conversations. But the rules should not only apply to chatapplications such as WhatsApp, but also Skype internet services that provide calls over the internet.

However, on the other side are critics who reject viewing encrypted messages because it creates vulnerabilities. And it is precisely these security flaws that could be used, for example, by the Russian mafia or spies from third countries.

whatsApp

Source: E15

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