Washington — US Attorney General Barr, along with officials in several other countries, are planning an open letter asking that Facebook not deploy end-to-end encryption to protect consumers using its apps, according to various news reports.
Facebook is reportedly developing better encryption features in response to users’ increased demand for more online privacy. A letter discouraging these new protections for users is expected to be published Friday, coinciding with a closed Justice Department event opposing stronger consumer encryption.
Reports of this letter come as Senate appropriators directed staff and funding as part of the 2020 spending bill to better protect Senate staffers’ personal devices from hackers and other attacks.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents device makers, internet services and telecommunication companies, has supported strong encryption for decades. The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“Strong encryption is increasingly vital to the privacy and security of individuals, national security and economic prosperity. Companies should be encouraged to develop and employ the security standards that the public expects for their devices and online activity. ”
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