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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Hibaq Farah UK technology reporter

UK minister defends plan to demand access to encrypted messages

WhatsApp logo displayed on a mobile phone screen.
Tech firms such as WhatsApp have said that they could withdraw from the market or be blocked by the UK authorities, rather than undermine their encrypted messaging systems. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

The technology secretary has defended the online safety bill’s push to force messaging apps to access private messages if requested by the communications watchdog.

Michelle Donelan said the move, strongly opposed by secure messaging firms and privacy campaigners, was necessary to combat child abuse.

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