[ih] Five Eyes and Japan call for Facebook backdoor to monitor crime

[the keyboard of geoff goodfellow]

*Security alliance worries encrypted messaging apps can be used by bad
actors*
EXCERPT:

Japan has joined countries in the Five Eyes security alliance in a call for
Facebook to review its encryption practices over concerns the company's
messaging apps will become tools for terrorists and child traffickers,
Nikkei has learned.

Currently, Facebook encrypts the contents of messages exchanged between the
sender and receiver so that no one else -- including Facebook itself -- can
see them. While this technology serves to protect users' privacy, it also
makes it impossible for the company to provide authorities with information
related to crimes.

The Five Eyes countries -- the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada and New
Zealand -- plus Japan and India issued on Sunday a joint statement to press
Facebook to change its encryption technology on Messenger and WhatsApp.

In the statement, the countries say they understand the importance of
protecting privacy, but say Facebook should seek a way to balance privacy
and security concerns. It is expected that the countries will ask Facebook
to introduce a backdoor that allows it to decrypt in case of an emergency.

The decision for Tokyo to join the call comes as it seeks closer ties with
alliance
<https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Japan-wants-de-facto-Six-Eyes-intelligence-status-defense-chief>.
The Five Eyes has also engaged Japan as it seeks to share confidential
information in response to China's growing military expansion...

[...]
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Five-Eyes-and-Japan-call-for-Facebook-backdoor-to-monitor-crime

-- 
Geoff.Goodfellow at iconia.com
living as The Truth is True