The New York Times reports that in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks in Paris, UK Prime Minister David Cameron "said he would pursue banning encrypted messaging services if Britain’s intelligence services were not given access to the communications." Cameron is running for re-election, said that if he gets another term in office he "would ban encrypted online communication tools that could potentially be used by terrorists if the country’s intelligence agencies were not given increased access. The reforms are part of new legislation that would force telecom operators and Internet services providers to store more data on people’s online activities, including social network messages."
Cameron's statement, the story says, "comes as many European politicians are demanding that Internet companies like Google and Facebook provide greater information about people’s online activities after several recent terrorist threats, including the attacks in Paris ... Mr. Cameron’s comments are part of a growing debate in Europe and the United States over whether Internet companies and telecom providers must cooperate fully with intelligence agencies, who have seen an increased use of social media by groups like the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL."
Cameron's statement, the story says, "comes as many European politicians are demanding that Internet companies like Google and Facebook provide greater information about people’s online activities after several recent terrorist threats, including the attacks in Paris ... Mr. Cameron’s comments are part of a growing debate in Europe and the United States over whether Internet companies and telecom providers must cooperate fully with intelligence agencies, who have seen an increased use of social media by groups like the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL."
- KC's View:
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This is going to be an important and ongoing debate in the civilized world, about the rights and privileges - and, yes, the responsibilities - inherent in free speech.
