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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Alex Hern Technology editor

Crime agencies condemn Facebook and Instagram encryption plans

Messenger, Facebook and Instagram app logos on a mobile phone screen
Plans to encrypt all messages on Meta’s platforms were first revealed in 2019 but have been delayed a number of times. Photograph: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

An alliance of the world’s most powerful law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Interpol and Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) have condemned Meta’s plans to encrypt direct messages on Facebook Messenger and Instagram, saying that doing so will weaken the ability to keep child users safe.

The Virtual Global Taskforce, made up of 15 agencies, is chaired by the NCA and also includes Europol and the Australian federal police among its membership. The VGT has spoken out, it says, owing to the “impending design choices” by Meta, which it says could cause serious harm.

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