Why the Government wants a mandatory ‘backdoor’ on encrypted technology

Five Eyes intelligence alliance says gadget makers could face new legislation if they fail to comply

Hack
Side-stepping encryption could make web users vulnerable to hackers
(Image credit: Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images)

The British government is calling for compulsory access to encrypted technology that would make it easier for the authorities to bypass secure IT systems in order to combat online crime.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More