Apple has criticized the Online Safety Bill’s provisions that would allow users of encrypted messaging services like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Signal to be forced to check conversations for references to child abuse.
Its action follows a letter from 80 organizations and tech professionals to Technology Minister Chloe Smith requesting a reconsideration of the powers.
According to Apple, the bill has to be changed to safeguard encryption.
The BBC has requested a response from the administration.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) prevents anyone outside the message’s sender and recipient from reading it.
The technology, which is also utilized by applications like WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage, is allegedly keeping law enforcement and the companies themselves from being able to recognize the sharing of child sexual abuse material, according to the police, the government, and some well-known child safety groups.
Apple, however, stated in a statement that end-to-end encryption is essential for protecting the privacy of journalists, human rights advocates, and diplomats.
