End-to-end encryption is a “disaster” for the fight against terrorism and prevents the police from finding right-wing extremists online. A report by the Intelligence and Security Committee warns that far-right terrorists are targeting members of the police and armed forces, with neither organization having sufficient measures to prevent this from happening.
End-to-end encryption in messaging apps is a “disaster” for counter-terrorism officials, preventing them from finding far-right activity online, a new report warns. The “conspiracy theorist and anti-government outlook” of far-right terrorists means they are “often unaware of the technical security measures they must employ to avoid detection”, says parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee in its latest report. As a result, they use an encrypted platforms, virtual private networks (VPNs), and ‘dark web’ websites to research and promote their ideas. The findings of the report released today say: “The Chief of Counter Terrorism Police (CTP) was clear that ‘end-to-end encryption is a disaster’ and is having a detrimental effect on his ability to detect harmful material online. “Therefore, MI5 calls on the owners of applications that provide encrypted messages to allow them “exceptional access” to the conversations of suspects.
Figures published by The Guardian last year revealed that 16 members of the armed forces had been referred to anti-terrorism programs over a two-and-half year period, most for far-right beliefs. The report, titled ‘Far Right Terrorism’, also warns that right-wing extremists are targeting members of the police and armed forces. As a result, they use encrypted platforms for End-to-end encryption, virtual private networks (VPNs), and ‘dark web’ websites to research and promote their ideas. The findings of the report released today say: “The Chief of Counter Terrorism Police (CTP) was clear that ‘End-to-end encryption is a disaster’ and is having a detrimental effect on his ability to detect harmful material online. “.
