Comedian Russell Brand has made his first public comments since being accused of rape and sexual assault, thanking his followers for questioning the information presented to them. Brand did not directly address the allegations but instead spoke about attempts to censor him online and criticized the UK government's online safety bill. The bill, which requires social media platforms to take down illegal content, has passed its final Parliamentary debate but is yet to become law. Brand's YouTube channel has been demonetized and his live tour has been postponed since the allegations surfaced.
The UK government has dropped proposals to legislate the scanning of end-to-end encrypted messages in its Online Safety Bill, acknowledging that it is not currently technically feasible. While some view this as a victory for technology firms, critics argue that the changes only represent the minimum needed to pass the bill, with the controversial clauses remaining in place until scanning becomes "technically feasible." Concerns have been raised about the potential negative consequences for privacy, data use, free speech, and democratic values if encryption is weakened. Amendments are urgently needed to protect online free speech and the right to privacy.
The UK government denies dropping its plan to scan encrypted messaging services for harmful content as part of the Online Safety Bill, despite reports suggesting a concession to tech companies' concerns. The bill allows regulator Ofcom to order messaging services to use "accredited technology" to detect and remove child sexual abuse material. However, the government's minister for arts and heritage clarified that Ofcom would only intervene if scanning content was technically feasible and met privacy and accuracy standards. Tech firms argue that content moderation policies like scanning encrypted messages are impossible without compromising end-to-end encryption. Apple, WhatsApp, and Signal have threatened to withdraw services or leave the UK if the bill proceeds as is. The technology minister maintains that companies must develop scanning technology if they cannot prevent child abuse on their platforms.
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.
The UK's Online Safety Bill will require all internet platforms with UK users to prevent minors from accessing "harmful" content, which includes adult websites and user-generated content platforms. To comply, sites will have to verify the age of visitors using government-issued documents or biometric data. This will lead to a significant shift in online information availability and pose a threat to privacy. Platforms will face criminal penalties for non-compliance, leading to potential over-censorship and the exclusion of UK users. The bill's vague implementation details and broad definition of "harmful" content raise concerns about misinterpretation and disproportionate interference with access to information and freedom of expression rights.
The UK government is facing privacy concerns over proposed amendments to the Online Safety Bill, which would require age verification for services that publish or allow pornographic content. Digital rights groups argue that there is a lack of transparency regarding the tools used and how they collect user data. Critics worry about the potential risks of collecting and storing large pools of children's biometric data by private companies. Additionally, concerns have been raised about discrimination against socio-economic groups that may lack official documentation. The bill would give the communications regulator Ofcom powers to fine tech companies, block access to sites, and introduce criminal liabilities for non-compliance. The government insists that the amendments will better protect children online, but critics argue that more consideration is needed to address privacy and potential discrimination issues.
Apple has opposed the powers in the Online Safety Bill that could force encrypted messaging tools like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Signal to scan messages for child abuse material. The company has urged the UK government to amend the bill to protect encryption. The Online Safety Bill contains powers that could enable communications regulator Ofcom to direct platforms to use accredited technology to scan the contents of messages. Apple's statement means that some of the most widely used encrypted apps oppose this part of the bill.
Twitter will introduce an end-to-end encrypted messaging service, according to a tweet by its owner, Elon Musk. The move comes in response to long-standing calls from privacy-conscious users for more secure messaging on the platform. However, the timing of the announcement could prove awkward for Musk in the UK, where the government's Online Safety Bill wants such messages to be accessible if requested by law enforcement. Messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal have both criticised this part of the bill, saying it could undermine end-to-end encryption.
