Government Stands Firm on Encrypted Messaging Dispute

The UK government has denied changing its plans to require messaging apps to access users' private messages if requested by the regulator Ofcom. The Online Safety Bill, which is due to become law in the autumn, has sparked a stand-off between the government and tech firms over a clause relating to encrypted messages. Platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage argue that they cannot access or view messages without compromising user privacy. The government insists that it is possible to protect both privacy and children, stating that tech firms should develop tools to identify and remove illegal child abuse content. Some security experts doubt the feasibility of such tools, while campaign groups warn that the Bill still threatens encryption and free speech online.