About Encryption
In cryptography, encryption is the process of encoding a message or information in such a way that only authorized parties can access it and those who are not authorized cannot. Encryption does not itself prevent interference, but denies the intelligible content to a would-be interceptor.
Government denies U-turn on encrypted messaging row
... Indeed, earlier versions of the Bill do state that the regulator Ofcom would only ask tech firms to access messages once " feasible technology" had been developed which would specifically only target child abuse content and not break Encryption...
Apple slams UK surveillance-bill proposals
... But many messaging services currently offer end-to-end Encryption - so messages can be unscrambled by only the devices sending and receiving them...
WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging apps unite against new law
... As drafted, critics say, the bill could undermine the privacy of end-to-end Encryption - the technology at the heart of what these companies provide...
WhatsApp to enable messaging in internet blackouts
... " Your personal messages will still be protected by end-to-end Encryption - ensuring they stay between you and the person you re communicating with and are not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp or Meta...
What is the quantum apocalypse and should we be scared?
... That means that faced with an incredibly complex and time-consuming problem - like trying to decrypt data - where there are multiple permutations running into the billions, a normal computer would take many years to break those Encryptions, if ever...
Ex-Twitter employees accused of spying for Saudi Arabia
... He s a Saudi that uses Encryption...
Apple slams UK surveillance-bill proposals
By Zoe KleinmanTechnology editor
Apple says it will remove services Such as FaceTime and iMessage from the UK rather than weaken security if new proposals are made law and acted upon.
The government is seeking to update the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016.
It wants messaging services to clear security features with the Home Office before releasing them to customers.
The Act lets the Home Office demand security features are disabled, without telling The Public . Under the update, this would have to be immediate.
Currently, there has to be a review, there can be an independent oversight process and a technology company can appeal before taking any action.
Because of the secrecy surrounding these demands, little is known about how many have been issued and whether they have been complied with.
But many messaging services currently offer end-to-end Encryption - so messages can be unscrambled by only the devices sending and receiving them.
'Snooper's charter'WhatsApp and Signal are among the platforms to have opposed a clause in the Online Safety Bill allowing the communications regulator to require companies to install technology to scan for child-abuse material in encrypted messaging apps and other services.
They will not comply with it, they say, with Signal threatening to " walk" from the UK.
Apple has also opposed The Plan .
The government, which already enables The Storage of internet browsing records for 12 Months and authorises the bulk collection of personal data.
They are " not about The Creation of new powers" but making The Act more relevant to current technology, it says.
Apple has consistently opposed The Act , originally dubbed a " snooper's charter" by critics. Its submission to the current consultation is nine pages long, opposing:
Apple says:
Cyber-security expert Prof Alan Woodward , from Surrey University, said technology companies were unlikely to accept the proposals.
" There is a degree of arrogance and ignorance from the government if they believe some of the larger tech companies will comply with the new requirements without a major fight, " he added.
Bbc News has contacted the Home Office for comment.
Follow Zoe Kleinman on Twitter.
Related TopicsSource of news: bbc.com
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