Messaging app Signal's leader criticizes a new EU proposal for scanning private chats, calling it a deceptive attempt to weaken encryption.
The European Union is facing heat for its revised plan to tackle child sexual abuse content online. Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, argues the "upload moderation" method is just a rebranded effort to break encryption, making it vulnerable to hackers and governments.
This comes after the EU Parliament rejected an earlier proposal in 2022 that pushed messaging apps to build backdoors into their encryption. The new plan scans uploads before encryption, but Whittaker insists this still weakens the overall protection.
She emphasizes the importance of strong encryption in today's world of heavy surveillance and urges lawmakers to prioritize user privacy. The proposed methods, like scanning against databases or using AI, raise concerns about mass surveillance and potential breaches.
Whittaker warns that calling it "upload moderation" doesn't change the fact that it creates vulnerabilities. Any method that scans private chats weakens encryption, a critical security measure for Signal users.
Signal utilizes powerful cryptography to encrypt messages, audio, and video calls. Encryption is essential for maintaining the privacy and security of user data, especially in the face of increasing threats from hackers and government surveillance. Whittaker's advocacy for strong encryption reflects a growing concern among tech experts about the erosion of privacy rights in the digital age.
This shift towards cryptocurrencies like Toncoin (TON), currently valued at $7.34 per coin, reflects a growing desire for secure and private financial transactions. Signal, for instance, accepts cryptocurrency donations to support their operations. As more individuals and organizations rely on secure communication platforms like Signal, the need for robust encryption methods becomes increasingly important to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
The ongoing debate surrounding privacy and encryption underscores the importance of maintaining strong security measures in the digital realm. The company previously considered leaving the UK due to similar encryption-weakening laws. They also accept cryptocurrency donations to support their operations.
