Is backdoor access oppressive? – Week in security with Tony Anscombe

Bills granting access to end-to-end encrypted systems, opportunity for cybercriminals, abuse by authority, human rights, and tech companies leaving the UK?

Editor

28 Jul 2023

If passed as a law, the UK government’s Online Safety Bill could force technology companies to give the UK government backdoor access to any end-to-end encryption systems. The legislation itself is quite complex and the UK government believes, it could make the internet a less threatening place. It may prompt certain tech companies to remove illegal online content, such as revenge porn and hateful speech.

A backdoor in any system weakens the security and opens the entire system for cybercriminals to exploit and abuse by authorities. This results in many technology companies threatening to stop providing services in the UK. However, this issue is for more than just UK citizens. Once a law such as this one is passed in one country many others may want to follow.